Learn Aberg’s Simple Strategy To Master Your Golf Game

Hello, Daily Duffer readers! Sarah Chen here, and I’m thrilled to share some insights with you today, drawn from a recent profile on one of golf’s brightest young stars, Ludvig Åberg. As a PGA-certified instructor for over 15 years, I’ve had the privilege of working with golfers of all levels, and one thing I know for sure: everyone can improve. The key often lies not just in what you practice, but how you practice, and the mindset you bring to the game.

Ludvig Åberg, at just 25 years old and ranked World No. 5, has taken the golf world by storm. He’s achieved incredible feats, including winning the Omega European Masters in just his second DP World Tour event as a pro, a commanding 9-and-7 victory alongside Viktor Hovland in the Ryder Cup, and finishing runner-up at the Masters in his debut. What’s truly impressive is how quickly he’s adapted and ascended.

What can we, as aspiring golfers, learn from his rapid rise? It’s not about being a “robotic cyborg,” as some might suggest. Instead, it’s about a profound commitment to a thoughtful, systematic approach, rooted in simplicity and consistent effort.

The Power of Intentional Practice: It’s Not Just About Hitting Balls

One of the most striking aspects of Ludvig’s story is his transformation as a practitioner. Initially, he wasn’t “particularly keen on practice. It’s not that he was anti-practice. He just didn’t really know how.” This resonates with so many golfers I’ve taught. We often head to the range with good intentions, but without a clear purpose, our practice can become aimless. The moment Ludvig learned how to practice, everything changed.

“I think I’ve always been disciplined,” he says. “I just didn’t know any better. And obviously that made me quite a bit better pretty quickly.”

This “knowing better” is crucial for your improvement too! Ludvig’s coach, Hans Larsson, emphasizes educating players and giving them a “base of knowledge in order to perform at the next level.” This isn’t just about swing mechanics; it’s about understanding the ‘why’ behind your practice and committing to it.

Actionable Drills for Intentional Practice

1. The “One Thing” Focus Drill: Before every practice session, identify ONE specific element you want to work on. It could be your grip, ball position, shoulder turn, or the start of your downswing. For example, if you’re struggling with your setup, dedicate the first 15-20 minutes of your practice to checking and re-checking your posture and alignment before every shot. The goal isn’t to hit perfect shots, but to perfect that one fundamental. Ludvig “committed to over time” practices. If he needs a backswing drill, he does it “four years, every swing.” This consistency is how new habits are formed and old ones are extinguished.

2. The “Nine-Window” Shot Shaping Drill: Ludvig speaks “with reverence about the nine-window drill he and Larsson have fine-tuned for years, a drill that requires hitting literally every kind of shot—with every club.” This is a fantastic way to develop feel and control. Imagine a target area divided into nine squares (three wide, three deep). Your goal is to hit shots that land in each square – low fade, low straight, low draw, mid fade, mid straight, mid draw, high fade, high straight, high draw. Start with a mid-iron like a 7-iron until you can achieve all nine shots. Then, challenge yourself with different clubs, maybe even a 7-wood like Åberg! This drill forces you to adapt your swing and understand how different adjustments affect the ball flight, providing a deeper understanding of your golf swing and clubface control.

   

3. The “Pre-Round Game Plan” Exercise: Ludvig and his caddie, Joe Skovron, “meet two hours before every tee time to go over pin locations, wind and strategy.” This is a fantastic mental game tool. Before your next round, spend 15-20 minutes visualizing each hole. What club will you hit off the tee? Where is the ideal landing spot? Where are the hazards? What’s your play from typical pin positions? This might seem like overkill at first, but it takes away the “emotional decisions you make during a round.” When you step onto the first tee, you’ll have a clear, pre-determined plan, just like Åberg says, “I know when I get to 12, I’m going to hit driver and I’m going to go for it.” This clarity reduces doubt and boosts confidence.

The Simplicity Mindset: Making the Complex Manageable

Åberg often describes his approach as “simple.” This isn’t about oversimplifying the game’s complexities, but about creating clarity and consistency. Whether it’s “obsessing over his fundamentals: the ball position, the grip, the setup,” or his ability to adjust his shot shape with “just tweaks in my setup,” his focus is always on the clearest course of action.

“No matter what I do today, I’m going to do the same thing tomorrow,” he says. “So, no matter if I win or I don’t win today, I’m still going to go out tomorrow and do the same thing.”

This incredible commitment to his process, regardless of outcome, is a powerful lesson. It means detaching from immediate results and trusting that consistent, simple, focused effort will lead to long-term improvement. It’s truly inspiring to see this level of dedication.

In my teaching experience, the golfers who improve the fastest are those who embrace this kind of intentionality. They might not have the raw talent of a Ludvig Åberg, but they share his dedication to understanding, planning, and executing their practice with purpose. You don’t have to overhaul your entire swing to see significant gains. Start with identifying one crucial area, understand why it’s important, and commit to consistent, simple practice. You’ll be amazed at the progress you can make.