Ryder Cup special: Ludvig Åberg's rise from Rookie to Ryder Cup star

As Ludvig Åberg prepares for his second Ryder Cup appearance in 2025, it’s worth looking back at the incredible story of how he burst onto the scene just two years ago.

In 2023, the Swede made his Ryder Cup debut before even teeing it up in a Major Championship—something almost unheard of in the modern game. Yet to anyone paying attention, his selection by Europe captain Luke Donald made perfect sense.

Åberg had gone from the top of the amateur rankings to a DP World Tour winner in a matter of months. Since then, he has secured two PGA Tour victories, as well as a second-place finish at the 2024 Masters.

“I played with him in Detroit and was blown away by his game,” explained Donald after picking the Swede in 2023. “He continued to impress and I challenged him to come over to Europe and play a couple (of events). He was fifth (tied fourth) in the Czech Masters and you know what he did after that. (Åberg won in the Omega European Masters in Switzerland). It was like a walk in the park for him and for someone that is so inexperienced it was just so, so impressive.”

“I really do have a lot of faith and belief in Ludvig. He is a generational player, he’s going to be around a long time and he’s going to do amazing things.”

Now, with more experience under his belt, Åberg has already begun living up to that “generational” label. A debut Ryder Cup not only ended in team success at Marco Simone, but also a record that stands at 2 wins and 2 losses in his four matches.

To this day, Åberg’s driving is still a major talking point—and remains one of his biggest weapons.

“I tried to hit it as hard as I could and tried to narrow it down a little bit after that. But obviously, the driver is the most fun club to hit. It goes the furthest. I felt that way since I was probably 10, and I still feel that way. I like hitting my driver, and luckily it's one of the better clubs in the bag, too.”

“I like to keep it a pretty neutral flight. I don't like to curve it too much. Sometimes you get too stuck on one side where you draw it too much or fade it too much. When I grew up, I tried to hit it as straight as I could and take it from there. Hitting the centre of the face was a big thing for me. Hit it hard but keep it in the centre of the face.”

Swing Breakdown: By PGA Professional Barney Puttick

Åberg’s swing continues to impress coaches, analysts, and fans alike. PGA Professional Barney Puttick breaks down what makes it so effective.

“His swing is almost like he has stepped out of a computer game. What I love about it is the simplicity. The great John Jacobs described the golf swing as ‘two turns and a swish’ which almost describes Åberg’s swing perfectly. The symmetry is amazing. If you went on a PlaneSWING and moved the stick up and down, it’s almost as though he’s come out of a training wheel, it’s such an impressive load up.”

“We can all learn from how he maintains his height through the swing, especially for a tall guy. A lot of amateurs anticipate the ball and dip into it but he maintains that level all the way through.”

“Rhythm wise it’s brisk. For me it’s almost like a speeded-up version of Ernie Els and I like the way that he plays. He makes his decisions briskly and then hits the shot.”

“He is 6”3 and he has some terrific levers to produce a high launch and a low spin. I’ve only seen his swing on camera but it doesn’t seem that there’s much of a shot shape – with his skill base he will be able to hit it either way with ease, with the driver it just looks like it is bullet straight.”

“His coaches say that he is able to take his practice ground game out onto the course which is what we all dream.”

In 2023, Åberg was the bold rookie pick. In 2025, he returns as a proven talent and a key part of Europe’s future. His rise hasn’t just lived up to the hype, it’s helped redefine what’s possible for young players breaking into the professional ranks.

As Åberg tees it up for his second Ryder Cup, few will be surprised by his presence. He’s no longer the wildcard. He’s the real deal.

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