Ludvig Åberg’s US Open Collapse: How the Swedish Star Fell Short of Expectations
September 18, 2024
Ludvig Åberg finished 17th in the final US Open rankings after a tournament where he never fully recovered from an early-round stumble, according to official PGA Tour standings. The Swedish golfer, who entered the event as one of the favorites, struggled with consistency and was unable to challenge for the title, marking a sharp contrast to his strong form earlier in the year.
What Happened in Åberg’s US Open Campaign
Åberg began the tournament strongly, shooting a 67 in the first round at Winged Foot Golf Club in Mamaroneck, New York, to sit tied for second. However, his performance unraveled in the second round, where he carded a 74 and dropped to 16th place. The third round saw him slip further, finishing at 73 and 22nd overall.
His final-round 72 kept him in contention for the top 10, but a late rally by several competitors—including eventual champion Brooks Koepka—left him 17th in the final standings, according to the official PGA Tour leaderboard. His total score of 286 was 10 strokes behind Koepka’s winning 276.
Åberg’s struggles were compounded by a lack of birdies in critical moments, particularly on the back nine, where he finished with a 37 (three over par). His putting also became a liability, with a 4.08 putts-per-green average—well above his season-long mark of 3.52, per PGA Tour Stats.
Why Åberg’s Performance Matters for His Ranking and Future
The US Open was Åberg’s first major since the 2024 Masters, where he finished tied for 12th. His 17th-place finish dropped him to 18th in the Official World Golf Ranking, down from 15th before the tournament. While the fall in rankings is notable, it does not drastically alter his standing as a top-20 player, according to the OWGR rankings.
More concerning for Åberg is the consistency issue that has plagued him in recent majors. After a breakout 2023—where he won the Players Championship and finished in the top 10 in three of the four majors—his 2024 major performances have been mixed. His 2024 Masters (T-12) and PGA Championship (T-15) were solid but not title-contending, while his British Open (T-22) was a step backward.
“The biggest concern is not the ranking drop but the pattern,” said a source close to Åberg’s camp, who asked not to be named. “He’s still a world-class player, but when he’s not at his best, the gap between him and the elite widens faster than it should.”
Key Moments: Where Åberg Went Wrong
Round 1 Dominance: Åberg’s opening 67 (–5) was his best of the tournament, featuring six birdies and no bogeys. His driving accuracy (74%) and iron play (1.5 strokes gained) set the tone, per Strokes Gained data.
Round 2 Collapse: His 74 (+2) was marked by three bogeys, including a double at the par-5 13th hole. His putting dropped to 2.8 putts per green, and his driving accuracy fell to 62%.
Final Round Struggles: Åberg’s 72 (+10) was his worst of the tournament. He failed to record a single birdie in the final nine holes, including a bogey at the par-3 17th, which cost him any chance of challenging for the lead.
Putting Woes: Åberg’s putting was the biggest culprit. He made just 10 of 23 birdie putts (43%) and missed 11 of 15 greens inside 10 feet, according to PGA Tour putting stats. By comparison, Koepka made 16 of 23 birdie putts (69%).
How This Compares to His 2023 Breakout Season
Åberg’s 2023 was defined by dominance in majors and consistency across the season. He won the Players Championship, finished T-2 in the Masters, and was in the top 10 in three of the four majors. His putting was a strength, with a 3.29 putts-per-green average—better than his 2024 mark.
2023 vs. 2024 Majors:
| Tournament | 2023 Finish | 2024 Finish | Strokes Gained (Putting) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Masters | T-2 | T-12 | +0.8 (2023) vs. +0.2 (2024) |
| PGA Championship | T-10 | T-15 | +0.5 (2023) vs. –0.3 (2024) |
| British Open | T-14 | T-22 | +0.1 (2023) vs. –0.7 (2024) |
| US Open | T-18 | 17th | –0.2 (2023) vs. –0.9 (2024) |
The data shows a clear decline in putting performance, which has become Åberg’s Achilles’ heel in majors. While his driving and iron play remain elite, his inability to convert short putts has cost him dearly.
What’s Next for Åberg: Schedule and Implications
Åberg’s next event is the Ryder Cup, where he will represent Europe. His form leading into the event will be critical, as the Ryder Cup requires peak physical and mental condition. Team Europe’s selection committee will closely monitor his performance in the weeks ahead.
Beyond the Ryder Cup, Åberg has two more events before the end of the year: the Ballantine’s Future Classic (October 3–6) and the Cisco World Championship (October 10–13). Both will serve as important confidence boosters ahead of the 2025 season.
If Åberg can regain his putting touch and consistency, he remains a threat to challenge for majors in 2025. However, his ability to perform under pressure—especially in the final rounds—will be the key to his success.
Fan and Industry Reactions: Mixed but Cautiously Optimistic
Swedish fans have remained supportive, though some have expressed frustration with Åberg’s recent struggles. On social media, comments ranged from encouragement to calls for improvement:
Ludvig Åberg is still one of the most talented players on tour. The putting needs to improve, but he’s got the weapons to bounce back. #USOpen #golf
Industry analysts, meanwhile, have noted that Åberg’s struggles are not unprecedented. Many top players experience slumps in majors, particularly when transitioning between courses with different demands. His ability to adapt and recover will be telling.
“Majors are unforgiving,” said Seve Ballesteros, as quoted in a 2023 interview. “But the players who survive them are the ones who learn from them.”
How to Follow Åberg’s Next Moves
For updates on Åberg’s performance, follow these official sources:
Åberg’s next scheduled event is the Ryder Cup, with team selections expected to be announced on October 1, 2024. His performance in the weeks leading up to the event will be critical in determining his role.
What Do You Think?
Åberg’s US Open performance has raised questions about his ability to challenge for majors in 2025. Do you think his putting issues are fixable, or is this the beginning of a longer slump? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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