European Captain Donald Admits Ludvig Aberg In Contention For Ryder Cup Debut

Following a bright start to his professional career, Aberg will be reportedly considered for the Ryder Cup in September

Donald readjusts his visor
(Image credit: Getty Images)

At the Rocket Mortgage Classic, heads have been turned by young Swedish professional, Ludvig Aberg, with the 23-year-old paired alongside European Ryder Cup Captain, Luke Donald.

Firing rounds of 65 and 67, the Swede did card a third round of 73 to drop him out of contention, but the impact made by Aberg has been heard all round the golfing inner circle, with Donald extremely impressed by the performance at Detroit CC, so much so that Aberg is being reportedly considered for the Ryder Cup in September.

According to CBS's Kyle Porter on Twitter, "Nick Dougherty said he talked to Euro Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald about Ludvig," with Porter further tweeting: "He told me there have only been a few (players) that he's played with for the very first time that have the 'wow' factor. One of them is Rory. That was back in 2008 at the Dunhill Links.

"Now he says Ludvig Aberg is one of those guys as well. He said his driver is a huge weapon, he makes the game look effortless. He added that, as long as he continues to show form, he will definitely be considered for the (Ryder Cup) team... This guy is going to be a superstar."

As mentioned, Aberg was paired with Donald for the opening two rounds of the tournament, with the 23-year-old carding a first round of 65 which included seven birdies and an eagle. 

Ludvig Aberg at the 2023 RBC Canadian Open

Aberg during his professional debut

(Image credit: Getty Images)

After a stellar college career at Texas Tech, Aberg only turned professional at the start of June, but has had two top 25 finishes and some stunning rounds that suggest he could be a viable option for Marco Simone when the tournament comes around in just a few months time.

There's no denying that, within the European side at least, there is somewhat a transition going on following the decision of LIV's European players to resign their memberships of the DP World Tour. Although unclear who will be amongst the 12-man squad in September, Donald will have six automatic spots and six Captain’s Picks, so there is plenty of potential for the Englishman to include a number of Rookies.

Matt Cradock
Staff Writer

Matt joined Golf Monthly in February 2021 covering weekend news, before also transitioning to equipment and testing. After freelancing for Golf Monthly and The PGA for 18 months, he was offered a full-time position at the company in October 2022 and continues to cover weekend news and social media, as well as help look after Golf Monthly’s many buyers’ guides and equipment reviews.

Taking up the game when he was just seven years of age, Matt made it into his county squad just a year later and continues to play the game at a high standard, with a handicap of around 2-4. To date, his best round came in 2016, where he shot a six-under-par 66 having been seven-under through nine holes. He currently plays at Witney Lakes in Oxfordshire and his favourite player is Rory McIlroy, despite nearly being struck by his second shot at the 17th during the 2015 BMW PGA Championship.

Matt’s current What’s In The Bag?

Driver: Honma TW747, 8.75°

Fairway Wood: TaylorMade Rocketballz Stage 2, 15°, 19°

Hybrid: Adams Super Hybrid, 22°

Irons: Mizuno MP54, 5-PW

Wedges: Cleveland 588 RTX 2.0 Tour Satin, 50°, 56°, 60°

Putter: Cleveland TFI 2135 Satin Cero

Ball: Titleist Pro V1x