MACON, Ga. — Sunday at the Masters, a 24-year-old rookie had everyone turning their heads.
In his first-ever start at a major, Swedish star Ludvig Aberg finished second behind Masters champion Scottie Scheffler.
But a week earlier just four miles away from Augusta National Golf Club, it was Ludvig's Swedish teammate doing a little winning himself.
“Just winning a tournament is special, especially golf because you don't win that many tournaments in your life,” Mercer senior Tobias Jonsson said. “It's that sport you win maybe one percent.”
Jonsson’s win at Forest Hills Golf Club in the Augusta Haskins Award Invitational was just the latest addition to a long list of wins.
But this win came with something more than a trophy, an exemption into the 3M Open this summer in Minnesota, making Jonsson the first-ever Mercer golfer to compete in a PGA Tour event.
As for what to expect?
“I don't know, but it will be fun,” Jonsson said. “It's nothing special about the golf game but of course, you get more nervous.”
One thing Tobias does know, he'll be ready.
He's been on the big stage before when he won the 2022 World Amateur in Paris with Ludvig on the team.
Guess who played better on that day.
“My plan when I went out there was to just beat Ludvig for one round and I did in the first round,” Jonsson said. “I can't say I'm better than him but we only had one tournament there.”
But that result was all the more proof to Tobias that he’s pretty close.
“You look at Ludvig, like he can win PGA tournaments and he came second in the Masters,” Jonsson said. “Just being able to play with him, it's fun and exciting. I can tell I'm almost there pretty much.”
So, who’s going to caddy for him this summer in Minnesota?
Don’t even try to get an answer.
“I have a small list of names,” Jonsson said. “We’ll see.”
Jonsson plans to turn pro upon graduating from Mercer this spring. Prior to his start at the 3M Open, he’ll play the BMW Charity Pro-Am, a Korn Ferry tour event in Spartanburg, South Carolina.
The 3M Open takes place from July 22 to July 28 in Blaine, Minnesota.
Meanwhile, the Mercer Bears are set to compete in the Southern Conference Championship this weekend in Greensboro, Georgia.