Sweden has a reputation for producing world-class golfers such as Henrik Stenson, Annika Sörenstam, and Liselotte Neumann. Now, the spotlight has shifted to the newest kid on the block – Ludvig Aberg – the first collegiate golfer to directly qualify for a PGA TOUR card after topping the PGA TOUR University rankings. Aberg turned pro in June 2023, after a stunning amateur career that saw him climb to the top of the World Amateur Golf Rankings and has now got the taste of a professional victory. But how has this talented golfer rising from the ranks?
Early Beginnings
Ludvig Aberg was born on 31 October 1999 in Eslöv, Skåne, Sweden, making him 23 years old as of this writing. He picked up golf around the age of eight when he joined his local Eslöv Golf Club in 2007. Aberg then tried to join the sports-focused Swedish high school for golfers – the RIG Golf Helsingborg but wasn’t accepted the first time. Nonetheless, being the fighter that he is, he worked hard on improving his game and was accepted the following year.
Amateur Career
As a junior golfer, Aberg first tasted success around age 17 when he won the Swedish Teen Tour Order of Merit and was awarded the Annika Sörenstam Trophy in 2016. His talents caught nationwide attention and since 2017, he has represented Sweden internationally.
In 2017, the talented player won the Fairhaven Trophy in England and was the individual leader at the European Boys’ Team Championship in La Manga, Spain. 2018 was equally promising, with Aberg finishing third individually at the Toyota Junior Golf World Cup in Japan and making his European Tour debut at the Nordea Masters.
2019 marked a career turning point for Ludvig Aberg, being the year that he joined Texas Tech to play collegiate golf and became a magnificent star, leaving with the most wins in program history. His 2019 victories included being part of the title-winning team in the 2019 European Amateur Team Championship and winning at the Sun Bowl Marathon All-America Golf Classic.
He never let the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 halt his game even as it shut down college golf in the U.S. Aberg instead traveled to Europe and competed in the Nordic Golf League for six months, managing two wins. He then represented his international team at the 2020 Arnold Palmer Cup.
2021 saw the stars shine brighter for the golfer, starting the year by winning the Jones Cup Invitational at Sea Island, Georgia in February. In April, Aberg then became the number-one ranked amateur golfer in Europe. Other highlights included being runner-up at the European Amateur in France and receiving a sponsor’s exemption for the PGA TOUR’s Butterfield Bermuda Championship.
And then came 2022. In May, Aberg received the Ben Hogan Award for the best US college player, a fete he retained the following year, making him only the second golfer to do so after Jon Rahm. He then participated in the 2022 Eisenhower Trophy where his team finished second, before rising to number one in the World Amateur Golf Ranking in September.
Having finished the 2022 fall season atop the PGA TOUR University points standings, Aberg automatically qualified for the Hero Dubai Desert Classic on the European Tour in January 2023. His magic touch came in February when he won The Prestige for a third consecutive year, before participating in the Arnold Palmer Invitational in March.
The cock finally crowed in Ludvig Aberg’s career in May 2023 during the NCAA Division I Championship at Grayhawk Golf Club in Scottsdale, Arizona. He finished on top of the PGA TOUR University rankings, securing fully exempt status on the PGA TOUR through the 2024 season. Aberg then turned pro in June 2023, ending his run as the world’s number-one amateur.
Major Achievements
Aberg’s most outstanding career achievements include:
- Winning the individual title at The Prestige three years in a row
- Only golfer after Jon Rahm to win the Ben Hogan Award twice
- Won the Fred Haskins Award
- Was the first golfer to scoop back-to-back Big 12 Conference Championship titles
- The first golfer to earn a PGA TOUR Card from collegiate merit
- Won the Jack Nicklaus Award
Professional Career
After turning pro in June 2023 and joining the PGA TOUR, Aberg’s first assignment came at the RBC Canadian Open running from June 8-11. He was grouped alongside Englishmen Matt Fitzpatrick and Tyrrell Hatton, who were awestruck by his superb driving skills and confidence on the course. Aberg finished the first round at 3-under 69 and just two shots off the lead.
The Swede earned a maiden victory on the DP World Tour after at the European Masters and will hope to take part in the Ryder Cup which kicks off at the end of September.
Aberg will be one of the most interesting stars to watch on the PGA TOUR going forward. Known for his calm demeanor and his exceptional prowess in Strokes Gained: Off-the-Tee, he is ready to drive his way to stardom on the PGA TOUR.
Final Thoughts
Ludvig Aberg has come a long way as a golfer since starting in his hometown of Eslöv, Sweden to now playing at the most elite level on the PGA TOUR. His character depicts ambition, resilience, and a strong desire to succeed.