Remember when Fuzzy Zoeller won the Masters as a rookie back in 1979? That’s the last time any first-timer claimed the green jacket. Yet Ludvig Aberg nearly rewrote that history last year. The rising Swedish star finished second in his Augusta debut, just four strokes behind Scottie Scheffler. Now, golf insiders are making bold predictions about his future at this iconic tournament.

On the 5 Clubs podcast’s 2025 Masters Preview Show, expert analysts didn’t hold back their conviction about Aberg’s future at Augusta National. When asked which player they’re most certain will eventually win the Masters, Johnson Wagner immediately named the Swedish sensation.

“I would say Ludvig Aberg comes to my mind first,” stated one golf analyst confidently. His conviction stems from Aberg’s exceptional shot-shaping abilities, a crucial skill at Augusta National. This perspective carries significant weight coming from someone who has competed at the Masters.

The analyst continued with a specific assessment of what Aberg needs to improve. “He will need to improve his short game to win a green jacket,” he noted. Statistics support this observation, showing that Masters champions typically excel in scrambling and putting—areas where Aberg ranks outside the top 30 on tour. In fact, recent Masters winners like Scottie Scheffler (ranked 1st in Strokes Gained: Around-the-Green in 2024) and Jon Rahm (ranked 11th in scrambling in 2023) demonstrated elite short game skills during their victories.

Another golf insider quickly agreed with this assessment. “If he’s gonna win it, I need to see better shots around the green,” he emphasized. This concern is valid considering Augusta’s notoriously complex green complexes, where precision short game skills are essential for success. Augusta National’s greens are among the most challenging in golf, with severe slopes and lightning-fast speeds that punish even slightly misplaced approach shots.

Despite these critiques, the experts remain convinced of Aberg’s future success. The golf analyst explained, “I think he can finish in the top five on an annual basis with what he has right now.” This prediction is backed by Aberg’s impressive second-place finish in his very first Masters appearance. His performance was particularly noteworthy when compared to other top players’ debuts – Rory McIlroy missed the cut in his first Masters, while Tiger Woods finished T41 in his first appearance as a professional.

Aberg’s rapid rise has been nothing short of remarkable. In January 2023, he ranked 1,964th in the world; by December of the same year, he climbed to 32nd. Now sitting at World No. 6, his meteoric ascent included winning the Genesis Invitational at Torrey Pines earlier this year.

While many first-timers struggle at Augusta National, Aberg showed remarkable poise in his debut. During the final round of the 2024 Masters, he threatened to take the lead before ultimately settling for second place. His composure under pressure demonstrated maturity well beyond his years.

Aberg himself recognizes how this experience has changed his approach. “I think there’s more of a sense of familiarity where I know that I’ve been in this position before. Obviously last year I hadn’t even played a major at this point, and before I played one, I didn’t really know what to expect,” he explained recently. This newfound confidence could prove crucial in his second Masters’ appearance.

And as Aberg prepares for his Masters appearance, the golf world waits to see if he can build on his impressive debut. His combination of power, precision, and poise has many believing it’s just a matter of time before he claims his first green jacket. The only question that remains is whether his short game will develop enough to complement his already elite long game.

Why Augusta National suits Ludvig Aberg’s playing style?

Augusta National’s design demands precise shot-shaping and strategic thinking, which aligns perfectly with Aberg’s minimalist approach. “Playing at Augusta National is a dream come true,” he stated after finishing second in 2024. His appreciation for the course’s traditional design philosophy mirrors his own playing style that emphasizes clarity and decisiveness in shot selection.

Aberg’s driving ability gives him a significant advantage, with his impressive 312.5-yard average distance combined with reasonable accuracy at 59.7% fairways hit. Dame Laura Davies was emphatic after his runner-up finish last year, boldly predicting: “He’s going to win this tournament for sure.” This confidence is supported by how quickly Aberg has adapted to Augusta’s unique challenges.

With his second Masters appearance approaching, Aberg brings valuable knowledge from contending in the final round last year. “Having those sorts of experiences and knowing—playing Augusta when it’s windy or playing it in different sorts of conditions—experience is always going to help you,” Aberg explained recently. The Swedish minimalist now understands the pressure and strategic demands required to compete at the highest level at Augusta National.