In his 11th professional start on the PGA Tour, Ludvig Åberg didn’t just make an impact; he bulldozed his way through the competition at the RSM Classic. Achieving an astounding 29-under final score, Åberg’s performance included record-breaking back-to-back 61s over the weekend. This feat set a new benchmark for the lowest closing 36 holes in PGA Tour history, showcasing his exceptional skill.
The rookie fired back-to-back 61s on Saturday and Sunday to record a 29-under final score and win the RSM Classic. It was a record-breaking week for the former Texas Tech Red Raider as he fought off 2016 winner Mackenzie Hughes to win by four shots. “I felt like I was striking the ball very well all week. I’ve been striking the ball quite well over the last couple of months,” Åberg said. “It’s one of those weeks where everything kind of comes together… Mackenzie and I played some really good golf. He pushed me, and I think I pushed him as well. To make those few birdies when it matters is very, very cool.”
Åberg’s victory is notable for breaking multiple PGA Tour records, including the RSM’s 72-hole record and tying for the lowest 72-hole total in PGA Tour history. His consistent performance also included the lowest 54-hole score ever in rounds two through four.
Those two 61s are the lowest closing 36 holes, by two shots, ever in PGA Tour history. “I don’t think I’ve ever shot back-to-back 61s, to be fair. So that’s obviously something that I’ll probably never ever gonna do again,” Åberg said. “To do it here at Sea Island playing Seaside golf course is one of my favorites — visually, it’s really cool. I felt like I was playing well, then kind of got it all together when it mattered.” Åberg played so well that he broke multiple records in the PGA Tour history books. He also destroyed the RSM’s 72-hole record by seven shots, previously set at 22-under by Talor Gooch in 2021 and Kevin Kisner in 2015. Åberg also tied for the lowest 72-hole total in PGA Tour history at 253. He tied Justin Thomas’ 253 at the Sony Open in 2017. The 24-year-old had the lowest 54-hole score ever in rounds two through four with 186 strokes as well. Åberg wasted no time on Sunday. He birdied the first hole to take a three-shot lead. He made another on the 4th to help fight off Hughes’ back-to-back birdies. The Swedish golfer made two more birdies on the par-4 5th and par-3 6th to go up by four. Hughes didn’t lay off the rookie though. The Canadian made three straight birdies to make the turn at 30 strokes and trail by two.
His win was not only a personal triumph but a strategic move by Luke Donald, who boldly selected Åberg for the Ryder Cup Team as a rookie. Donald’s decision, driven by Åberg’s undeniable talent and potential, reflects a deep trust in his capabilities to perform under pressure on a prestigious international stage.
Åberg’s ceiling on the PGA Tour appears unlimited, with his recent performances indicating a bright and promising career ahead. His ability to maintain composure and excel under pressure, coupled with his record-breaking achievements, sets him apart as a rising star in the golfing world.
An anonymous source overheard two PGA pros talking at a Starbucks hinted at comparisons between Åberg and the legendary Tiger Woods. These whispers among tour pros suggest a recognition of Åberg’s remarkable talent and a hint at his potentially limitless future in the sport.
Ludvig’s win at the RSM Classic is more than a victory; it’s a statement to the golfing world. His selection for the Ryder Cup Team as a rookie, the comparisons to Tiger Woods, and his seemingly boundless potential mark him as a golfer to watch in the coming years.
THREE OFF THE TEE 
Leave a comment