Rory McIlroy has revealed he and other Team Europe players thought the selection of young Swedish Ludvig Aberg was a ‘no-brainer’.
The 23-year-old only turned professional in June but, after recently winning the European Masters in Switzerland, has now made Europe’s Ryder Cup team.
Some believe Aberg is a risk due to his young age and lack of experience playing at the highest level.
However, McIlroy insists he and the rest of Team Europe’s players believe picking the Swede was the right decision – and are backing the youngster to shine on the big stage.
Ludvig Aberg has been selected for Team Europe’s Ryder Cup campaign despite turning pro earlier this year
more
“There are some of us who say it’s a no-brainer,” he told the BBC.
“But people didn’t see him playing in Europe and then he came close and finished fourth [at the Czech Masters] and won in Switzerland.
“People here who might have been skeptical about everything are realizing what the hype is.
“He probably has one of my favorite swings in the world.”
They look at Team Europe differently compared to the team that was defeated 19-9 by the United States two years ago.
Stalwarts Lee Westwood, Ian Poulter and Sergio Garcia will no longer be selected following their move to LIV Golf.
McIlroy admitted he was worried about his side’s chances early in the year.
However the 34-year-old has now changed his tune and feels they have a ‘great chance’ of lifting the famous trophy.
“I thought we would have a difficult season but the closer we got to the cup, the more I liked what the team did,” he said.
“There are a lot of rookies on the team with some of the older guys making some decisions that don’t allow them to be a part of it.
“Someone like Ludvig, Nicolai Hojgaard and Bob MacIntyre – I think it’s good to have them in the team because it injects a new, youthful joy into the whole dynamic of the week that very cool
“I think we have a big chance. There’s a really good mix of experience and youth there.
“I think we are in a very good place heading into Rome.”
McIlroy will be at the K Club this week, the venue where he won his only Irish Open in 2016.
And he was happy to be back, adding: “It’s great to be back. It seems like a long time ago.
“Coming back, just trying to re-familiarize myself with the golf course because the only time I’ve really played this place was the Irish Open in 2016.”
He has fond memories, too, of his stunning shot on the 70th hole that helped him clinch the prize.
“I’ll never forget when the ball landed on 16, the roar of the crowd on river right was incredible,” he continued.
“The 18th is more like the cherry on top.
“I shouldn’t have done that eagle but that’s how it all ended.”
NEW DEVELOPMENTS:
Rory McIlroy was part of Team Europe when they last won the Ryder Cup in 2018
more
While Europe fell short of Ryder Cup glory two years ago, they have won the prestigious trophy seven times in the last 10.
Their last success was back in 2018 when they defeated the United States in France.
McIlroy is part of that side and will be hoping for similar success when the competition begins on September 29.