Ludvig Åberg feels more prepared for Ryder Cup after Rome whirlwind

Two years after his surprise Ryder Cup moment in Rome, Ludvig Åberg says he is better prepared for Bethpage Black. The 25-year-old Swede had just graduated from Texas Tech and had been a professional for less than three months when Europe reclaimed the Ryder Cup with a dramatic victory. Åberg and Viktor Hovland defeated world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler and five-time major champion Brooks Koepka by 9 and 7, delivering the largest margin of victory for an 18-hole Ryder Cup match in history. "I think the biggest thing that I took away from those couple days, and maybe especially that morning, was just the validation for myself, that I’m able to do that," Åberg said Wednesday. "Two years ago was such a whirlwind for me."

[Image embedded: Ludvig Åberg smiles during practice day]

Now, Åberg says the experiences of the past two years have prepared him for the team room and the routine of Ryder Cup week. He noted that before Rome he hadn’t even met most of the players. "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."

Europe’s Ryder Cup roster for 2025 is virtually identical to the Rome lineup, with 11 of 12 members returning. The only new teammate is Rasmus Højgaard, replacing Nicolai, a change that has sparked playful confusion on the course. "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."

[Image embedded: Rasmus Hojgaard plays shot 12th]

Ryder Cup officials announced enhanced security measures will be in place on Friday, citing the attendance of President Trump. Less than three weeks ago, the president’s appearance at the U.S. Open men’s tennis final resulted in the championship match being delayed and began with many fans outside Arthur Ashe Stadium awaiting screening. 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 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. “Ticketed attendees 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.”

As the week unfolds, Åberg’s focus is squarely on the challenge ahead. With the U.S. course setting and a familiar European team entering its next chapter, the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black is shaping up to test a rising star who has translated a whirlwind start into a steady, mentally prepared approach for one of golf’s most storied team events.