From classmates to teammates: Ludvig Aberg inspired by Linn Grant, Maja Stark ahead of the Paris Olympics
Swedish golfer Ludvig Aberg is currently in Paris to take part in the golf competition of the Paris Olympics, which will be held at Le Golf National starting on August 1. It is a new experience for Aberg, who admitted that he finds his source of inspiration in the two female members of the Swedish golf team.
Linn Grant and Maja Stark will represent Sweden in women's golf in Paris. Both were classmates of Ludvig Aberg in high school and he has looked up to them since then.
Here's what Aberg said (via PGA Tour):
"I remember when I was in high school, they [Grant and Stark] were so good already, and I just tried to do whatever they did. It was pretty inspiring to see."
Ludvig Aberg, Maja Stark and Linn Grant all studied at the renowned Filbornaskolan, a school dedicated to developing student athletes. In fact, they were classmates in 2019.
Their paths continued in parallel after high school, as all three received scholarships to play collegiate golf in the United States. Aberg advanced to Texas Tech University, while Stark attended Oklahoma State University and Grant chose Arizona State University.
The trio reunited at the 2020 Arnold Palmer Cup, representing the international team in a 40.5 to 19.5 victory over the American team.
Stark and Grant turned pro in 2021, while Aberg had to wait for two more years.
A look at the careers of Ludvig Aberg, Maja Stark and Linn Grant
Both Maja Stark and Linn Grant have had very successful careers in European golf, despite not turning pro until 2021. Stark has eight victories, six of them on the Ladies European Tour (LET), while Grant has won 12 times, six of them on the European Tour.
Both have one victory apiece on the LPGA Tour. Stark won the 2022 ISPS Handa World Invitational while Grant won the 2023 Dana Open. In terms of majors, Stark's best finish is a tie for second (2024 Chevron Championship), while Grant tied for eighth at the 2022 Evian Championship.
As for Aberg, he began his professional career in June 2023 after a meritorious stint in collegiate golf that included winning the prestigious Haskins Award. It didn't take long for the 24-year-old to shine on the main professional circuits.
His exceptional performance during his first two months as a professional led the European Ryder Cup captain to select him for the team. Soon after, Aberg claimed his first professional victory at the Omega European Masters
After his success at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club, Aberg quickly returned to the PGA Tour to play in the FedEx Cup Fall. His dedication paid off as he won his first tour event (2023 RSM Classic) in the fall.