Ludvig Åberg Makes a Comeback Post-Surgery at the RSM Classic
Returning to the fairways for the first time since the Tour Championship, Ludvig Åberg eagerly steps back into the world of competitive golf this week. The Swedish golfer, known for his composed demeanor and remarkable talent, is set to compete at the RSM Classic after undergoing arthroscopic surgery for a torn meniscus.
The injury, which traces back to early in the year, started to manifest itself around April or May. "I felt early in the year this must have been somewhere around April, May, something like that it started to act up a little bit," Åberg reflects. Despite the discomfort, he managed to maintain his performance, leading after 36 holes at the U.S. Open and after 54 holes at the Scottish Open, even finishing as the runner-up to Keegan Bradley at the BMW Championship.
At the PGA Championship, Åberg played with a knee brace, and he withdrew from the Wells Fargo Championship as a precaution. It was only after consulting with doctors that the decision for surgery was made. "We got it checked out and then I still felt fine, so it didn't hinder me in terms of my training or my play. So then, after consulting with a few doctors, I knew that I needed to have surgery at some point," Åberg explains.
Post-surgery, Åberg took a deliberate approach to recovery. He opted for a four-week hiatus from golf, marking his first substantial break since his senior year in college. "It's been nice to have a little break. It was probably the first break that I've had from golf since my senior year in college, so it was quite nice to kind of reflect a little bit, sit down and not having to go play a tournament at some point," he shares.
This recuperative period allowed Åberg to focus on regaining strength, beginning with hitting short pitches and wedges. "I had about four weeks off from playing golf; I didn't touch a golf club. Started hitting short pitches and wedges at first and then to kind of load it a little bit more and put more pressure on it," he remarks, discussing his careful and measured return to form.
His return at the RSM Classic is anticipated with great excitement, especially considering his exceptional performance in the previous season where he tied the all-time scoring record, finishing at a staggering 29 under par. Despite the surgery and recovery process, his PGA Tour status remains unchanged, allowing him the freedom to compete without the pressure of adjusting his standings.
Heading into the RSM Classic, Åberg radiates confidence and readiness. "I feel 100%, otherwise I wouldn't be here," he asserts, signaling his full recovery and readiness to compete. His journey from injury to recovery marks a significant milestone in his career, underscoring both his resilience and determination.
As Åberg prepares for upcoming tournaments, including the 2024 schedule events, his focus remains steadfast. The RSM Classic is not just a platform for his return but also an opportunity to benchmark his recovery and reignite his competitive edge.
In the world of golf, where precision and mental fortitude are crucial, Åberg’s swift and total recovery speaks volumes about his commitment. His return to the game is a testament to his tenacity and a promising harbinger for what lies ahead in his already illustrious career.