One of the biggest stars of the day was 23-year-old Swedish rookie Ludvig Aberg, who is making his pro debut this week after finishing atop the PGA Tour University rankings and earning a Tour card for the rest of this season and next. The Texas Tech product began his professional career 4 under on the front nine before signing for a 3-under 69.
“I was nervous. I mean, I think it would have been weird if I wasn’t nervous,” said Aberg of his emotions on the first tee. “But I tried to embrace it. I tried to view it as something fun.”
During his time in college, Aberg (2022, 2023) joined Jon Rahm (2015, 2016) as the only multiple winners of the Ben Hogan Award, given to the men’s college player of the year. He was also the 2023 Haskins Award winner.
Ludwig Aberg on the 16th hole during the first round of the 2023 RBC Canadian Open. (Photo: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports)
“I’m super fortunate to be in this position, to actually get my Tour card,” said Aberg. “I’m just going to be prepared to play a lot of golf. Play as much as I can, get as many points as I can and kind of see where that takes me.”
“He’s impressive,” said Matt Fitzpatrick who was grouped with Aberg, alongside Tyrrell Hatton. “Drove the ball very, very well. And yeah, he’s a good player. I’m very excited that he’s a European.”
This week isn’t Aberg’s first start on Tour, just his first as a pro. Earlier this year he made the cut at both the Valspar Championship (T-61) and Arnold Palmer Invitational (T-24).
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