Rory McIlroy might be the old man, but even he sees something to be envious of in the cold, cool, collected demeanour of young Swedish sensation Ludvig Åberg. 

The Northern Irishman pointed out the unflappable attitude of Åberg at TPC Sawgrass. He confessed that he did not have the same degree of freedom and happiness in the initial years of his own career.

McIlroy said, "I certainly was not as laid back at that point as he is, but it is very admirable." He was contrasting his 18-year career with Åberg's lateral success.

He made this confession after an exhausting week at THE PLAYERS Championship. McIlroy thought the scores from his final round did not accurately capture the improvement in his ball-striking.

The 36-year-old McIlroy argued that at 26, he felt more pressure than Åberg does now. He was extremely impressed with the ball-striking.

McIlroy watched Åberg all weekend and noted the smile he always had. Relishing in the game, he believes, is a prerequisite to winning in the professional game.

Rory McIlroy learns some Lessons from his Ryder Cup Teammate

McIlroy saw the Åberg mindset firsthand at the Ryder Cup and said, "He is so laid-back, like, ridiculously laid-back, which is a really good thing." He understood Åberg could stay calm under pressure.

The veteran is aiming to take some of that into the major season. He is evaluating how his body feels as he heads into the challenges that await him at Augusta.

While McIlroy's putting was a struggle on the "crispy" and "firm" Sawgrass greens, he remarked that Åberg's decisiveness helps him on such "funky" courses.

McIlroy intends to return home to practice before he determines his schedule.

McIlroy completed his title defense at TPC Sawgrass at even par, which has him finishing tied for 46th. As he assesses what lies ahead, whether his body can sustain one last effort toward Augusta is the season's biggest unanswered question.

Read more at Daily Club Golf!

Written by

Abhishek Sharma

Edited by

Kalp Thaker