Q. How would you assess that round of 4-under, 66 today?
LUDVIG ABERG: I thought it was very positive. I thought I managed it quite well. I wasn't hitting it amazing. I had one tee ball in water on 2, and one in the hazard on 14. Other than that I thought it was good. Yeah, I was putting it really nice, good speed on the greens, matching it up with the lines, and decent approach. So I thought overall definitely pleased with the round.
Q. Started with a bogey, but finished with that 55-footer which you just learned was your longest putt on TOUR this year. What's it like to feel, what's that feel like to finish with a putt like that?
LUDVIG ABERG: It's definitely a bonus. You just try to cozy it up there and 2-putt and walk away. But I felt like all day I was lagging it really nice. I was hitting the speeds that I intended to. Yeah, when those go in it's just a bonus. But it also comes from hitting good putts.
Q. Observing you earlier in the week, it looked like you were working on things on the range. Is that what it felt like to you? Are you sort of searching and finding and grinding?
LUDVIG ABERG: I think so. I think I'm always going to like to work on things. I'm always going to like to tinker. Even though I came off a nice tournament last week I still felt like there were some things I would like to do better. You'll definitely see me out there after this round as well trying to work on my woods a little bit. But, yeah, definitely trying to improve. But I like the things that I've seen last couple of weeks and hopefully I can keep doing that.
Q. I believe this is your first time at this venue?
LUDVIG ABERG: Correct.
Q. What's your first impressions of this week and the course in general?
LUDVIG ABERG: Yeah, it's a great golf course. It's a big golf course. Reminds me of Quail Hollows and Valhallas, sort of it, where driving it well is important. The greens have been quite receptive from all the rain, but they're big greens, sectioned off. It reminds me a little bit of Augusta at times, you know, the green areas, without the rough, obviously. But I think, you know, it's a great test. It tests patience, discipline, couple of tee balls here and there. But overall pleased with how we managed it today.
Q. How have you felt about the season so far that you've had?
LUDVIG ABERG: I think it's been positive definitely. If I compare 2025 to 2026 I've definitely seen a lot much improvements. Which is what I get excited about. I like to see those stat categories ticking away and getting better. So that's been a big positive for me and something that I'll keep working on, but also know that I've had a lot of good stuff in the tank.
Q. Last year, at different points of the year fighting some of the swing. Has that felt better this year, just more consistent with the move and not kind of falling out of it like you have been?
LUDVIG ABERG: I think. So I definitely think last year was great for me in terms of learning what not to do, I guess. Which is sometimes just as important as learning what to do. It made me realize what's important for me in my golf swing. And it doesn't need to be perfect, but if it's somewhere along these lines I can still go out and compete. And that's what's important when you play a lot of golf courses, a lot of golf tournaments. And, yeah, I think I've taken a step in the right direction this year for that. But definitely some room for improvement.
Q. I got to ask you about Gary Woodland. Knowing what he's battled the last couple years physically and mentally, to see him shoot 64 and have a really good chance to get to East Lake next week, how much does that impress you?
LUDVIG ABERG: Obviously seeing Gary play good golf doesn't surprise anyone, I think. But he's a true inspiration to all of us. I think what he's done and the way he's doing it. He's probably No. 1 nicest guy on the TOUR, and any time he has success I'll be a big cheerleader for that.
FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports