Ludvig Aberg, who will be playing his first French Open: “It’s going to be a great tournament, a great course, a great field of players.”
Ludvig Aberg will be playing his first French Open game. But the Swede is familiar with the Albatros, where he performed in the 2022 World Amateur Championships and, more importantly game, the 2024 Olympic Games. The world number 18 finished 18th there after a disappointing fourth round game.
This is your first time playing in the French Open. How do you feel?
It’s my first time playing this tournament, but I’ve played on this course several times before now. I’ve always had a great time here, every time I’ve been. I’ve heard Alex Noren talk about it before, so I know little about it.
Your last visit was in 2024, for the Olympic competition Games. Tell us a little about your memories as of that time.
The first time I came here, few years ago (in 2022 for the World Amateur Championships competition), I immediately thought this course was made for major events. You can see it in its design and the way these natural grandstands blend into the landscape. The Ryder Cup was held wonderfully here. And the Olympic Games too.
In two years ago, you represented Sweden at the Olympic Games. What memories do you have of that week?
Alex Noren was my teammate. We stayed together. We had a great time together; it was fantastic, something new and different for me. I particularly remember walking up the 18th hole: it was fabulous to see all those flags mixed together and the atmosphere, a little different from that of a typical tournament game. The first tee was really great too, as were holes 1 and 2, which formed almost a kind of bowl-shaped arena. I have very fond memories of that week.
What do you think of the new holes, the numbers 4, 5, and 6?
Before, the number 4 was a very demanding hole, and it still is. Which you always feel like you’re playing a bit into the wind. I thought the numbers 5 and 6 were excellent holes as they were before. With those narrow fairways and a wedge in hand, you still had to make some really good shots, but it also offered the opportunities. I think that today, of course, the fairway is a bit wider at the number 5, a bit wider at number 6. But the characteristics and identity of this golf course are still there. It’s a place where you have to execute your shots. You can’t just play sloppily and hope to get away with it. It’s the kind of course I love where everything is right in front of you and others. You know what you have to do, make your shot: if you succeed it, you’re rewarded, if you fail, you’re punished.
This tournament game isn’t on the same level as a major or the big flagship events. How do you manage to perform well in these tournaments where the pressure is less to control?
I always approach every tournament I play in pretty much the same way. Tomorrow mornin been (Thursday) , on the tee, I’ll be nervous. I’ll feel the same emotions I usually do when I play in a tournament. It may not be a major, but it’s still a great tournament so ever, a great course, a great field. So I expect to feel exactly the same things as usual. because I’m a professional and I like to do things right. And now that I’m here, I’m preparing as best I can to be ready tomorrow been (Thursday) and, hopefully, deliver the performance I know I’m capable of.
It was great. Adare Manor is amazing one, really cool. The course is in excellent condition; it’s an incredible place. The Ryder Cup is going to be very, very special there. It was good to see the course, to also catch up. We had dinner together, we were able to spend time together. I feel like it’s starting up again, and it’s nice to be part of those conversations once again.
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