Ludvig Aberg’s driver head snaps off, still drives the green
Ludvig Aberg experienced a rare and startling equipment malfunction during the third round of the 2024 Valero Texas Open at TPC San Antonio.
Aberg teed off on the 299-yard par-4 17th hole, the head of his driver snapped off mid-swing. Despite this unexpected mishap, Aberg managed to drive the ball onto the green, landing it 11 feet from the hole. While he narrowly missed an eagle putt, he secured a the tap-in birdie.
Aberg, currently ranked ninth in the world, expressed his disbelief and shock after the round.
“It was odd, it was bizarre. I’ve never experienced anything like that, not even in practice or anything, I’ve never seen it before, so I was just in shock,” Aberg said.
Despite the equipment malfunction, Aberg remained composed and completed the remaining 10 holes with his spare driver, finishing the round with a 5-under 67. His impressive performance kept him in contention for the title as he prepared for his Masters debut the following week.
The cause of the malfunction was identified as a loose screw connecting the head to the shaft of the driver. Aberg noted that the screw failure was not due to improper installation but rather a fault in the screw itself.
Fortunately for Aberg, he had a backup driver in his locker, in compliance with Rule 4.1a(2) which allows players to replace a damaged club during play.
