Åberg reveals teammate's UFO interest as Ryder Cup duo thrives
Nordic teammates Viktor Hovland and Ludvig Åberg bonded since Rome 2023; Åberg says one teammate's 'UFO deals' habit is real, a lighthearted dynamic that accompanies their on-course success ahead of Bethpage Black.
Ludvig Åberg revealed on Wednesday that one Ryder Cup teammate has an interest in UFOs, a detail he described as “out-of-this-world” during a round at Bethpage Black ahead of the 2025 Ryder Cup. “He’s always into sort of the UFO deals and all those things, so it’s quite interesting,” Åberg said. “I’m not quite down that road just yet. If I hang out with him long enough, I might be.”
Åberg and Viktor Hovland, the Norwegian star, have formed a close bond since being paired for the 2023 Ryder Cup in Rome, a pairing credited with helping Europe deliver the largest margin of victory in an 18-hole match on the Saturday of that competition against Scottie Scheffler and Brooks Koepka.
The chemistry between the Nordic teammates is rooted in communication and cultural affinity. “We speak the same language. We come from a very similar background. Obviously, he grew up in Norway, and Sweden are very close in terms of the cultural environment,” Åberg explained.
We had a good time in Rome, and we’ve played multiple practice rounds since, and our caddies get along great. He’s a good friend to have on Tour and in the team room here,” Åberg added, underscoring how their rapport extends beyond the course.
Hovland did not speak to reporters on Wednesday at Bethpage Black, though he is slated to meet with the media Thursday before the final day of practice rounds. The two have not been part of the same practice pairings through the first three days on Long Island, a detail coaches and teammates say has not diminished the sense of a cohesive unit.
As the 2025 Ryder Cup on Long Island progresses, officials and players acknowledge the pair’s shared language and proven success could influence Friday’s lineup. The Rome victory looms large in the memory of fans and fellow competitors, and Åberg’s public reference to a teammate’s UFO interest has added a lighter storyline to the event’s buildup. The Ryder Cup continues with practice rounds and then competition for the weekend, with many expecting the Hovland–Åberg alliance to surface again in the rotation.
