24-year-old Swedish golfer Ludvig Aberg took the lead at the RSM Classic with a sensational round of 61, at the Seaside Course in Sea Island Resort, Georgia. Aberg’s stellar performance included a hole-out birdie from 76 feet at the 14th hole, which was featured as a SportsCenter Top-10 worthy highlight on Golf Channel. Aberg’s round consisted of a five-hole stretch where he played 6-under par, starting with a birdie at the 13th and including an eagle at the 15th. With his 9-under total, Aberg holds a one-stroke lead over Eric Cole heading into the final round.
Eric Cole, a 35-year-old rookie, matched Aberg’s score of 61, making a strong push for the Rookie of the Year title. Cole has had a remarkable season, winning more than 50 times on the Minor League Golf Tour and potentially surpassing $5 million in earnings. His mother, Laura Baugh, also won the equivalent award on the LPGA Tour fifty years ago.
Ludvig Aberg has been a sensation since turning pro as the No. 1-ranked amateur. He made history by becoming the first player to join the PGA Tour directly out of college by finishing No. 1 in the PGA Tour University Ranking. Aberg’s success continued as he won on the DP World Tour in September, earned a captain’s pick for the European Ryder Cup team, and has consistently finished among the top performers in his last four starts.
Both Aberg and Cole have already experienced playoff losses this season, which adds further excitement and significance to their performance at the RSM Classic. If either golfer were to claim victory in the final round, it could greatly influence the vote for PGA Tour Rookie of the Year.
Ryan Moore also played an outstanding round, posting a bogey-free 8-under 62 to move up the leaderboard. Moore’s impressive performance comes at a crucial time as he aims to secure his exempt status for next season. Starting the week at No. 129 in the FedEx Cup standings, Moore is projected to move to No. 120 after this event, ensuring full exemption for the 2024 season.
As the RSM Classic nears its conclusion, the battle for various statuses and positions within the FedEx Cup standings intensifies. Golfers are eagerly vying for exempt status and opportunities to participate in signature events next season. Andrew Novak, Carl Yuan, and Maverick McNealy are among the players keeping a close eye on their projected rankings heading into the final round.
Furthermore, Ludvig Aberg’s strong performance not only puts him in contention for victory at the RSM Classic but also significantly improves his FedEx Cup standing. Aberg started the week at No. 96 and is projected to jump to No. 54. On the other hand, J.J. Spaun is projected to drop out of the top 60, highlighting the importance of maintaining a good standing to guarantee appearances in prestigious events.
In summary, Ludvig Aberg’s sensational 61 propelled him to the top of the leaderboard at the RSM Classic. He will face stiff competition from fellow golfer Eric Cole, who is also contending for the Rookie of the Year title. As the tournament enters its final round, the battle for exemptions and positions within the FedEx Cup standings adds another layer of excitement to the event. Golf enthusiasts eagerly await the conclusion to see who will emerge victorious at the RSM Classic.
