Åberg feels more prepared for Ryder Cup after Rome whirlwind
Two years after Europe’s Rome victory, the 25-year-old Swede says experience has sharpened him for Bethpage’s 2025 Ryder Cup.
NEW YORK — Ludvig Åberg, a 25-year-old Swede who had been a pro for less than three months when Europe captured the Ryder Cup in Rome, says he is far more prepared for the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black after the whirlwind experience that followed his debut.
"Two years ago was such a whirlwind for me," Åberg said Wednesday. "Over the last two years, I’ve had experiences that have really helped me. Although I still look back at Rome with a big smile … I do feel I kind of know a little bit more what to expect with the team room and it makes things a little bit easier. Before I played in Rome, I hadn’t even met those guys. I had never shaken their hands. I had never had a conversation with them."
This year’s European roster is virtually identical to the Rome group, with 11 of 12 members returning. The only new teammate is Rasmus Højgaard, who has replaced his twin Nicolai, and has already created a lighthearted mix-up in the team room. "Shane Lowry sometimes just calls me 'Nicolai,' and then he’s like, ‘Oh, Rasmus is here,’" Højgaard said. "It happens all the time … It’s all right. I’ve been used to it for 20 years now. So it doesn’t really bother me."
Ryder Cup officials announced enhanced security measures will be in place on Friday, citing the attendance of President Trump. More than 50,000 fans are expected to show up for the first day of the Ryder Cup, which begins with foursomes at 7:10 a.m. The fourball session is scheduled to begin at 12:25 p.m. The gates will open for ticket holders — who should expect temporary delays moving around publicly accessible areas inside and outside of the Bethpage Black Golf Course — beginning at 5 a.m. "Ticketed attendees are strongly urged to arrive as early as possible and should budget extra time as they plan their day," the PGA of America said. "In addition to security screening at the entrance, spectators will be subjected to TSA-style screening points around the clubhouse, adjacent grandstand and surrounding areas. If spectators leave these secure areas, they will need to be screened again prior to reentering that area."