Åberg says Ryder Cup prep deepens after Rome whirlwind

Ludvig Åberg said he feels more prepared for the Ryder Cup than he did after the Rome whirlwind two years ago. Åberg, who had just graduated from Texas Tech and had been a pro for less than three months when Europe reclaimed the Cup in Rome, now believes the experiences since then have sharpened his readiness. Two years ago in Rome, captain Luke Donald’s surprise selection of the then-21-year-old paid off, as Åberg and Viktor Hovland defeated Scottie Scheffler and Brooks Koepka, 9&7. “Two years ago was such a whirlwind for me,” Åberg said. “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 group that prevailed in Rome, featuring 11 of 12 members. The only new teammate is Rasmus Højgaard, who has replaced his twin brother Nicolai, and has already sparked a touch of friendly confusion. “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’m used to it. I’ve been used to it for 20 years now. So it doesn’t really bother me.”

Rasmus Hojgaard plays his shot from the 12th tee during a practice round of the Ryder Cup golf tournament at Bethpage Black.

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 at Bethpage Black. The schedule begins with foursomes at 7:10 a.m., followed by the fourball session 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 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.”

The security precautions come as the event returns to the United States, with Bethpage Black on Long Island serving as the battleground for a showcase that blends elite golf with high-profile logistics. While Europe fields a familiar lineup, the focus on team chemistry and road-tested leadership remains central as the cup format pits the Continent against the United States in a week that is as much about preparation as performance.

Rasmus Hojgaard plays his shot from the 12th tee during a practice round of the Ryder Cup golf tournament at Bethpage Black.