Swede Ludvig Åberg Bounces Back at Valero Texas Open After Players Championship Collapse

The 26-year-old is in contention at TPC San Antonio, just four strokes back of the lead, after a disappointing finish at TPC Sawgrass.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 10:51pm

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A fractured, geometric painting depicting the dynamic movements of a golfer, with sharp planes of color and overlapping perspectives, conveying the emotional rollercoaster of professional competition.A cubist interpretation of the dramatic highs and lows of professional golf, as rising star Ludvig Åberg seeks redemption after a collapse at the Players Championship.Sawgrass Today

Ludvig Åberg, a 26-year-old Swedish golfer, is in the mix at the Valero Texas Open after a disappointing collapse at the Players Championship three weeks ago. Åberg was leading by two strokes on the 11th hole at TPC Sawgrass before carding a bogey and double bogey, ultimately finishing fifth. Now at TPC San Antonio, Åberg has bounced back with consecutive 67s to sit four strokes behind the lead held by Robert MacIntyre.

Why it matters

Åberg's performance at the Valero Texas Open will be closely watched as he looks to redeem himself after the high-profile meltdown at the Players Championship, one of the PGA Tour's flagship events. His ability to rebound from that disappointment could be a key indicator of his mental toughness and resilience as he continues to establish himself as one of the rising stars on the Tour.

The details

After leading by two strokes on the 11th hole at the Players Championship, Åberg carded a bogey and double bogey, ultimately finishing fifth. Now at the Valero Texas Open, Åberg has shot consecutive 67s to sit four strokes behind the lead held by Robert MacIntyre. Åberg ranks second in the field in strokes-gained total and fourth in strokes-gained off the tee. His highlight came on the par-4 6th hole, where he holed an eagle from 120 yards out.

  • Three weeks ago at the Players Championship, Åberg was closing in on the biggest win of his career before a late collapse.
  • On Friday, Åberg shot a second-round 67 at the Valero Texas Open to sit four strokes back of the lead.

The players

Ludvig Åberg

A 26-year-old Swedish golfer who is currently ranked 18th in the world. He is a two-time PGA Tour winner who is looking to bounce back after a disappointing finish at the Players Championship.

Robert MacIntyre

A Scottish golfer who holds the lead at the Valero Texas Open at 14-under par. MacIntyre and Åberg are Ryder Cup teammates and good friends.

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What they’re saying

“No, no, [I don't think about it] when I'm playing here. I've had two weeks off, which has been quite nice, since the Players. I was able to kind of think about it, reflect on it, but also move on from it. I think that was the main thing for me, at least, kind of showing up here this week, that those things are behind me, they're past me and my focus is here this week.”

— Ludvig Åberg, Golfer

“We're good friends, obviously, from the Ryder Cup and stuff. We get on really well. It's good to play with good players and you can kind of build in a round. It was good to see him play well, and obviously, myself.”

— Robert MacIntyre, Golfer

What’s next

Both Åberg and MacIntyre will be teeing it up at the Masters next week, but first they will battle it out this weekend at the Valero Texas Open.

The takeaway

Åberg's ability to bounce back from the disappointment of his collapse at the Players Championship and put himself in contention at the Valero Texas Open demonstrates his mental toughness and resilience as a rising star on the PGA Tour. His strong play this week, coupled with his friendship and friendly competition with fellow Ryder Cup teammate MacIntyre, sets the stage for an exciting weekend showdown in Texas.