06 April 2024 , 09:00
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Since turning pro last year, Ludvig Aberg, billed as the next Tiger Woods, has already earned one career win on the PGA Tour.
After impressing other golf pros on the tour just six months into his rookie season, an anonymous golfer was overheard comparing Aberg to Woods following his RSM Classic win in Nov 2023, his first and only win on tour.
"There is no world where we'd be able to beat Ludvig on a consistent basis," said one golfer after the win. Another player said: "I didn't really know who he was. After playing six holes with him, I thought he was the next f***ing Tiger Woods."
Aberg defeated Mackenzie Hughes by four strokes to win the RSM Classic. Official World Golf Rankings list Aberg as the No. 9-ranked golfer in the world and the best player from Sweden. The 24-year-old is tied for second place through ten holes during day one of the Valero Texas Open, which runs from April 4 -7. DraftKings Sportsbook revealed that Aberg was the most bet-on golfer by betting faithful to win the competition.
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Aberg has already received praise from several top golfers in his career, including Rory McIlroy, particularly for his performance during the 2023 Ryder Cup. Team Europe captain Luke Donald called him up to the team nearly three months after turning pro, the fastest transition from an amateur.
Aberg remained unbeaten in four matches over the three-day event, winning two and drawing two. McIlroy spoke about the young golfer's promise after the event.
"When you're creating the kind of reaction Ludvig has, it's a good thing," said McIlroy to Golf Digest. "Because clearly people see the potential you have. He's already played good enough to capture the attention of the best players in the world and the media. Coming from behind and making four birdies in a row and taking the lead to win the European Masters is not easy," the Irish golfer continued. "So clearly he's showing it. He's got great potential."
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Ludvig Aberg was billed as the next Tiger Woods (Getty)"The only thing that matters is what's going on in his head. A lot of times as players we put a lot more pressure on ourselves than the media can put on us. I wouldn't quite know how to answer the question [how much of a risk his selection is], but he definitely has the talent to back it up."
Donald also dubbed Aberg a "generational talent" after selecting him for the Ryder Cup team. In 2019, he was the top college golf player in the country while at Texas Tech University.
Aberg earned a top-10 placement on his 2024 Players Championship debut, arguably the biggest event on the PGA Tour this season. He finished in eighth place as Wyndham Clark, Brian Harman, and Xander Schauffele tied for second with a score of -19 behind the winner and World No.1 Scottie Scheffler.