Rory McIlroy’s stance on Ludvig Aberg perfectly clear after nine-word claim

Rory McIlroy has made his admiration for Ludvig Åberg abundantly clear, both through his support leading up to the 2023 Ryder Cup and his statements as they compete against each other at The Tour Championship. McIlroy, who is 35 years old, expressed his enthusiasm for Åberg, 24, particularly during the period leading up to their Ryder Cup team collaboration. This excitement was evident when he mentioned, “I’ve been looking forward to this for a while,” in reference to the opportunity to work alongside Åberg. 

 

As the Tour Championship unfolds, McIlroy and Åberg find themselves tied in 10th place at East Lake Golf Course, a notable venue that is known for its challenging layout. Despite their current standing, both players still hold a slim chance of winning the substantial $25 million prize pool. However, Scottie Scheffler, who is leading by a commanding 13 shots at -21, remains the frontrunner for the title.

 

McIlroy’s high regard for Åberg was apparent even before their competitive paths crossed at East Lake. The Northern Irishman was notably impressed by Åberg’s performance during a team scouting trip for the Ryder Cup in Rome. Speaking during a pre-tournament press conference for the DP World Tour’s BMW PGA Championship at the Wentworth Club in Surrey, England, McIlroy reflected on the value of the team-building exercise. He noted that despite the novelty of the exercise, it was a worthwhile experience that allowed him to gain insight into Åberg’s skills and demeanor.

 

McIlroy’s praise was not limited to Åberg’s renowned driving abilities. While acknowledging Åberg’s exceptional ball-striking, McIlroy highlighted his impressive wedge play and the skillful control of trajectory with shorter clubs. This admiration was so pronounced that McIlroy admitted he was “on the bandwagon before” Åberg even made his mark in professional golf, and that he was now “certainly at the front of it.”

 

McIlroy had been a strong advocate for Åberg’s inclusion in the Ryder Cup team even before he had seen the Swede play in person. Åberg made history by being the first player to appear in a Ryder Cup before competing in a major championship, a testament to the high expectations placed upon him. McIlroy’s early endorsement was based on extensive recommendations from others who predicted Åberg would become a major force in golf. According to McIlroy, Åberg’s attitude towards the game was ideal, and Åberg’s performance lived up to the considerable hype surrounding him.

 

Åberg’s rapid ascent in the golf world has validated McIlroy’s predictions. Since turning professional in June 2023, Åberg achieved a significant milestone by winning his first PGA TOUR title at the RSM Classic in November 2023. This victory propelled him into the top 10 of the Official World Golf Rankings, marking a remarkable rise in his career.

 

In his rookie season of major championships in 2024, Åberg continued to impress. Entering the Masters as the ninth-ranked player in the world, just under a year after turning professional, Åberg showcased his ability to compete at the highest level. Despite ultimately finishing second to Scottie Scheffler, who claimed his second green jacket, Åberg’s performance was noteworthy. He held the lead at the U.S. Open after the first two rounds but experienced a setback in the third round, which resulted in a tie for 12th place.

 

Åberg’s continued success and the praise he receives from McIlroy and other prominent figures in golf are viewed as affirmations of his hard work and talent. Åberg himself acknowledges the flattering nature of McIlroy’s comments and expresses that such recognition is both encouraging and a sign that he and his team are on the right path. Despite the accolades, Åberg remains focused on maintaining his current trajectory and making further progress in his career.

 

As McIlroy and Åberg continue to navigate their respective careers, their competition at The Tour Championship serves as another chapter in their evolving professional relationship. The admiration and respect between the two golfers highlight the supportive nature of the sport, as well as the excitement surrounding the next generation of golf talent.