'I put myself in tricky positions': Aberg fails to build on strong Masters start

Aberg shot two double-bogeys in the first round
Aberg shot two double-bogeys in the first roundPetter Arvidson / Bildbyran Photo Agency / Profimedia

"It almost felt like Sunday hardness on the greens," Ludvig Aberg told reporters after his opening round at the 2026 Masters at Augusta.

Aberg is sadly no stranger to a disappointing final round when it matters most, and perhaps those "Sunday" conditions played a role in him going from three-under par through eight to three over par just five holes later.

Following three birdies, including on both par-threes in the front nine, the Swede shot a double-bogey on the ninth, followed by successive bogeys and another double on the par-five 13th.

The world number 17 somewhat recovered for the rest of his round, scoring another birdie to finish on two-over in a 74-shot round which leaves him tied-40th in the overall leaderboard. Despite the good start, a round of 74 is Aberg's worst ever at Augusta.

He is seven shots off the leaders, Sam Burns of the United States and Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland.

"Considering the start, I'm unhappy with the result," said Aberg, understandably, whose short game cost him, as he misjudged the speed of the greens and when opting to chip rather than putt on the 13th, saw his ball run away into the water.

"I put myself in tricky positions, which is a mistake in the first place. I shouldn't be long right on the ninth or long left on 13.

"When you miss the shots into the greens on the wrong side, it becomes very difficult to make short-range shots. But you can also see that in the scores - there are no ones that stick out," he said.

Interestingly, McIlroy was also seven shots off the lead after the first round, but roared back to take the green jacket. So, does Aberg still have every chance?

"Yes, absolutely. I still feel like even if I had a dip in the middle of the round, I could come back and keep hitting good shots. That's what I like to see, that I have the opportunity to do that."

Aberg begins his second round at 15:43 CEST. Sweden's other representative at the Masters, Alexander Noren, has work to do after a five-over par round of 77. Noren tees off at 19:56 CEST.

Wil jij jouw toestemming voor het tonen van reclames voor weddenschappen intrekken?
Ja, verander instellingen