Ludvig Åberg has no concerns over a knee issue ahead of his US PGA Championship debut after missing last week’s Wells Fargo Championship.
Ludvig Åberg has no concerns over a knee issue ahead of his US PGA Championship debut after missing last week’s Wells Fargo Championship.
The Swede, 24, withdrew from the Signature Event on the PGA TOUR at Quail Hollow but will tee it up in the second men’s Major Championship of the year at Valhalla Golf Club on Thursday.
While the time to rest has proven beneficial, Åberg will wear a brace as a precautionary measure but is yet to specify on which knee.
"Knee's good. It was more of a safety concern last week that I didn't play," he said at a press conference on the eve of the tournament.
"I'm consulting with my doctors and I trust them with everything that I have, so it's not bothering me at all this week, and I look forward to playing.
"I'm wearing a brace just for safety reasons, but it's nothing that's bothering me. I'm focusing on the golf."
Åberg enjoyed a “dream” Major debut at the Masters Tournament last month, finishing runner-up to Scottie Scheffler at Augusta National.
Since turning professional last June, he has won titles on the DP World Tour and PGA TOUR and been a part of a winning Ryder Cup team.
"Obviously I'm still doing a lot of firsts when I'm playing these tournaments," Åberg said.
"This week is my first PGA Championship and only my second major. I'm feeling all these things that first-timers do, and it's the same thing for me. So I try to focus on the golf."
While his rise to prominence and golf’s top table has been sharp, Åberg is intent on ensuring he retains his relaxed approach when playing in golf’s biggest events – something he attributes his success down to.
“I feel like a big thing for me when I'm playing golf is try to enjoy it and try to have fun,” he said.
“I think it's something that I have the privilege to be able to do, and try to view it that way and try to hit different shots and make sure that I don't lose that joy of playing golf. I think it's very important.”
Åberg will play alongside American pair Xander Schuaffele and two-time US PGA Champion Justin Thomas in the opening two rounds.
