Ludvig Aberg’s stellar form this summer made him a “simple pick” for Luke Donald in the end, according to the last Ryder Cup captain Padraig Harrington.
Harrington knows exactly what it’s like to have to select wildcards for the Ryder Cup, but says he doesn’t think there was any question about the young Swede getting in.
It’s a sentiment echoed by Shane Lowry, who also got a captain’s pick, and who says Aberg will be a “great fit” for the team when they line up together in Rome.
Harrington says the way Aberg played in the last few weeks – heading over to Europe to win the Omega European Masters – just helped to settle Donald’s mind that he was the right man to pick.
“I think Ludvig was a simple pick at the end,” said Harrington. “Like I don’t think it was in any question at the very end.
“I think two weeks prior, it would have been a big pick. It would have been a pick based on stats rather than necessary results, but his results have been fantastic the last two weeks, and that’s actually why you have a closing date. You’re trying to get current form into your team, and Ludvig has proved it. He’s hit the ground running.
“The way he delivered the last two weeks, I’m sure he went over – it would be hard to believe that there was a European player that wouldn’t have supported the pick in the end, whereas two weeks previously, they would have all been ‘whoa’, but he played great. So fully deserved it.”
Harrington believes Europe are stronger than the team he had two years ago, with the strength in depth helping with pairings selections – as he doesn’t want even Europe’s best player having to play in every session.
“Looking forward to seeing him in the Ryder Cup, too. Again, I think we’ve got a good strong team,” he added.
“One of the most important things with that team is you never want to play anybody – relying on guys to play four times, the chance of winning your singles is greatly diminished, and you’re the best player, obviously, if you’ve played four times.
“We need a strong pool of players so that some of the very top players can be rested for the singles. I think that’s the most important thing is that all the players play well.
“We have the best players at…
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