Two of the PGA Tour’s youngest rising stars will share the spotlight during Sunday’s final round at the The Players Championship. 26-year-old Ludvig Åberg and 24-year-old Michael Thorbjornsen will tee off together as they compete for a title at one of golf’s most prestigious tournaments.
Åberg enters the final round with the advantage, but Thorbjornsen, known by many as “Thor”, has quickly built a reputation as one of the most promising young players on the PGA Tour. While both golfers chase victory, in recent months, Thorbjornsen shared a tougher side of his life on tour.
Michael Thorbjornsen Opens Up Ahead of Players
Thorbjornsen has had golf in his life since the very beginning. His father, Ted, has served as his swing coach since he was just five years old. He has worked hard to get where he’s at, chasing his first career win on Tour.
Despite the success that comes with competing at such a high level, the young golfer admitted that life on Tour can sometimes feel isolating, especially as a single player.
“I mean, you see all the girlfriends and wives of the different players, and I’m just eating lunch by myself sometimes,” Thorbjornsen said in a PGA Tour video released four months ago. “I’m like, damn, this sucks.”
He joked that he has formed a close bond with fellow young golfer Luke Clanton, saying the two single players have recently spent more time together.
“I’ve been hanging out with Luke Clanton a lot more, who is also single. We kind of just give each other a hard time. It’s almost like we’re in a relationship.” Thorbjornsen said with a smile.
The Players Championship
Sunday’s showdown will take place at TPC Sawgrass, a course both players know well. In fact, both Thorbjornsen and Åberg call the area home and regularly tee up there.
Speaking to Golf Magazine, Thorbjornsen explained that the location made it an easy decision to settle in the area.
“This course right here,” Thorbjornsen said when asked why he chose the area. “PGA Tour headquarters is just off site too, which definitely helps. A lot of younger guys coming out of college are moving here, so it’s a pretty good spot.”
Thorbjornsen is looking forward to the final-round pairing with Åberg. The two have a friendly relationship and plenty of mutual respect, having played together in tournaments.
“He’s a great guy. I love playing golf with him,” Thorbjornsen said. “He was someone I looked up to in college, even though he’s only one year older than me. He’s a very solid player, and his mental game is extremely strong.”
Åberg echoed the praise for his fellow competitor.
“He’s a great guy and a really good player,” Åberg said. “He’ll come out excited tomorrow and ready to play. I’m going to have to respond and play some good golf.”
Åberg begins the final round at 13-under par, while Thorbjornsen sits at 10-under. If the two young stars remain in contention, fans could witness a Sunday battle between two players who represent the future of the PGA Tour. For Thorbjornsen, it could also mark a breakthrough moment as he searches for his first career victory on tour.
Michael Thorbjornsen Opens Up About Lonely PGA Tour Life Ahead of Players Championship