Ryder Cup ace compared to Roger Federer and labelled 'the stud among everybody'

Former European Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley has likened Ludvig Aberg to tennis legend Roger Federer, insisting the Swede will display his 'elegance' at Bethpage Black. After months of anticipation for this year's tournament, the wait is nearly over. The first tee shots will be struck in New York on Friday, with McGinley convinced that Aberg represents a massive boost for Europe skipper Luke Donald.

Aberg was an unexpected choice when he made his debut in Rome two years ago, yet he proved a masterful selection and has since cemented his position as one of the world's elite players. The two-time PGA Tour champion forms part of a European squad that Donald has confessed is 'very unusual'. Aberg claimed two points from four encounters in 2023, the standout moment coming when he partnered Viktor Hovland to inflict a stunning win over Scottie Scheffler and Brooks Koepka in the Saturday foursomes.

McGinley, Donald's strategic consultant, was present during a two-day reconnaissance mission to Bethpage this week and remains convinced that Aberg can deliver further Ryder Cup brilliance in Long Island.

"The stud among everybody, you know, besides the obvious Rory [McIlroy] and Tommy [Fleetwood] and Jon [Rahm], is Ludvig Aberg," he told The Mirror.

"I mean, oh my God, the way he hits the golf ball, the way he plays. Again, he's shown some nice form in the last month.

"He really is a stud in terms of how he hits the golf ball, how he plays, and his elegance. He reminds me of Roger Federer. In tennis terms, he's got that style about him and that easiness with him.

"He's a natural-born athlete. Hits the ball so far straight and has that, you know, that not nonchalant, but it's a kind of laid back manner about him that Federer had as well, too. He would be the guy to stand out."

Aberg claimed his maiden career triumph in February, triumphing at the Genesis Invitational at Torrey Pines.

Many expected this breakthrough would launch an outstanding campaign, yet his performances dipped in subsequent weeks.

He notably suffered a devastating collapse on the final hole at The Masters that crushed his slender championship hopes.

Following his missed cut at the US Open in June, the Swede has rediscovered his rhythm with three top-10 results during the latter stages of the PGA Tour campaign, and he will undoubtedly feature prominently in Donald's strategies at Bethpage.