Despite Lacking a Profound Major Experience, Luke Donald Has a Solid Reason to Pick the 23-Year-Old ‘Superstar’ for the Ryder Cup

The 2023 Ryder Cup has finally unfolded its remaining cards. While the US team was all set with Zach Johnson’s choices last week, this week has welcomed the full roster for the European side. More often than not, each individual who makes it to the prestigious event either through automatic qualification or through captain’s picks has a story of his own to share.

Similarly, along these lines, falls the last selection of the European captain who, just by being on the team, has made history. However, it has allowed room for discussions to surround the young golfer and his potential in the team. With regard to the latter, though, captain Luke Donald appeared to cast his vote of confidence.

Despite zero major appearances, a young European golfer grabs a seat on the Ryder Cup team

The young 23-year-old golfer is none other than Ludvig Aberg, who shocked the golf world when he registered his name on the European Ryder Cup team. While the youngster had an astonishing amateur career, his name was accompanied by a unique fact; one that has never happened before in the history of the event.

A recent Instagram post while addressing the European Team highlighted the fact that the young golf star has had zero appearances in major championships up until now. However, even more staggering than this certitude was Luke Donald’s reaction to it. The lack of international exposure to that scale of the Swedish rookie did not seem to bother the European Team Captain.

Sounding certain in his selection, Luke Donald explained, “I was blown away.”  He was referring to the No.1 amateur player delivering his victory on Sunday in the Swiss Mountains in the most collected manner ever. The win at the Omega European Masters confirmed the tick beside the name of the 23-year-old.

Referring to Aberg, Donald even expressed, “He is going to be one of golf’s superstars.” Extending this line, the European captain revealed having played with a lot of players, but none of them had the confidence or ease displayed by the rising professional.

Additionally, Luke Donald talked about keeping a close eye on the rising star ever since the surge of the COVID-19 pandemic. Per the European leader, he has been looking at his ‘walk in the park’ style of game, especially during their first encounter in Detroit.

He emphasized that the young lad was all about business and keeping things simple. Aberg himself also recalled the first time he glimpsed at a chance of such an early entry into the Ryder Cup side. According to him, he saw the chances building in Detroit itself, where he first played alongside Luke Donald.

Also Read: The 19-Year-Old LPGA Debut Champ Has a Well-Versed Support Pillar: Meet Chanettee Wannasaen’s Veteran Aid

Though the pick of the professional has raised eyebrows all around, Donald seems content with his selections. He highlighted being thoroughly impressed by his skills, creating a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the former Rookie star.

What does a position in the European Ryder Cup team mean for Ludvig Aberg?

No doubt, the news of selection for the Swedish rising star, Ludvig Aberg came on a happy note for the golfer. However, prior to the pick, the young athlete had displayed a strong interest in the illustrious biennial event. It was right after he inscribed his name on the competitive OMEGA European Masters’ trophy that the 23-year-old believed his performance might have increased the chances for his selection.

And he was right in his direction! Given how confident the captain sounded in his last choice, it is safe to say that many eyes would be focused on the Swedish professional at the upcoming tournament. Not only that but the golfer himself, prior to his selection, voiced, “It would mean the world, obviously.”

But, ultimately, a controlled performance on the greens is all that will matter. Thus, the one-time European Team winner will look forward to executing his mantra “Once I get on the golf course, it’s just me and golf” as he takes on the American front.

Apart from this uncanny decision, Donald also chose Tommy Fleetwood, Nicolai Hojgaard, Shane Lowry, Justin Rose, and Sepp Straka in his 12-man army. Meanwhile, Robert MacIntyre, Rory McIlroy, Tyrrell Hatton, Jon Rahm, Viktor Hovland, and Matt Fitzpatrick made it to the European side through automatic qualification.

What do you think of Luke Donald’s views about his young Swedish star? Do you think he will be able to make a statement at the 2023 Ryder Cup? Let us know in the comments below.