Sunday's final tie for 21st place in Augusta in the first major of the year did not go according to plan. Åberg had his sights set higher than that. Although he recorded 20 birdies over the four rounds, he also lost many strokes due to costly mistakes.
"There were a few too many simple mistakes that bother me. Now that I'm standing here, I'm of course disappointed with the result," he said at the time.
This week on Hilton Head Island looks like it could be more stable - and more fun.
After six birdies and pars on the other holes through 14, the Scandinavian found himself in trouble on the upcoming par-5 hole. The tee shot went wide left, but Åberg played smartly out onto the fairway and found the green with his third shot, giving himself a chance for birdie, but he had to settle for par.
Eight birdies
He then recorded birdies on the seventh and eighth holes and took the lead, one stroke ahead of American Harris English and Norwegian Viktor Hovland.
"It's great to be back at this level. I like that the golf I'm playing is good enough for this."
"My iron shots were very nice," he said about the shots that paid off.
Åberg also got the opportunity to show that he is a gentleman. The tee shot on the ninth hole went sideways and into the crowd. The ball hit a woman; she was not seriously injured, but Åberg realized that an apology was warranted.
He also signed a glove that he handed over to the spectator as a bandage.
Recent Masters winner Rory McIlroy will not play in Harbour Town. Russell Henley, Tyrrell Hatton and Justin Rose will also skip the event.
Tougher for Norén
The competition is tough, though. World number one Scottie Scheffler, Sam Burns, Shane Lowry, Tommy Fleetwood, Collin Morikawa, Cameron Young and Matt Fitzpatrick are some of the big players Ludvig Åberg has to deal with.
Alex Norén has it tougher. After 14 holes played, he is two strokes over par.
The competition is ongoing. The first round will not be completed until after midnight.
