"It's becoming a thing": Tour pro says Ludvig Aberg's Sunday finishes are frustrating

England's Eddie Pepperell believes Ludvig Aberg will be left particularly frustrated after the second men's major of the year, following another Sunday stumble at the PGA Championship.

The Swede had positioned himself firmly in contention through 54 holes at Aronimink Golf Club in Pennsylvania, keeping himself right in the thick of the battle for the Wanamaker Trophy. 

With 18 holes remaining, the 26-year-old trailed surprise leader Alex Smalley by just two shots.

However, Aberg was unable to capitalise on the opportunity. 

His final round never quite gained the momentum needed to mount a serious challenge, as a damaging stretch around the turn saw him make three bogeys in the space of four holes. 

That sequence effectively ended his hopes of a breakthrough major victory.

Although he rallied with two late birdies, Aberg ultimately had to settle for a share of fourth place on five-under alongside Matthi Schmid and Justin Thomas. 

It was a respectable finish on paper, but one that carried the familiar sting of a missed opportunity.

The result added to a growing pattern of difficult final rounds.

Earlier in the year, Aberg notably surrendered a three-shot lead with nine holes remaining at the 2026 Players Championship.

At the unofficial fifth men's major, Aberg again found trouble at key moments, including hitting his ball in the water in consecutive holes.

Speaking on the latest episode of The Chipping Forecast, Pepperell suggested that Aberg's Sunday struggles are now "a thing". 

"There was an opportunity there for him to break through," Pepperell said. "I almost thought he was the guy and he was going to do this today. He's a frustrating player. I'm finding him quite frustrating. 

"If ever there was an opportunity to break through and win your first major, that was it."

For his part, Aberg admitted he was disappointed with how his final round unfolded, though he was quick to acknowledge the performance of champion Aaron Rai. 

The Swede had a front-row seat to Rai's maiden major triumph and was notably gracious in defeat.

Rai produced the golf of his life on Sunday, playing his final 10 holes in six-under par to win by three strokes from Jon Rahm.

Aberg played alongside Rai and was quick to praise the 31-year-old Englishman in the immediate aftermath of his triumph. 

He also revealed a comment from Rai that he believed said a huge amount about his character.

Aberg drained a mid-range birdie putt to sign for a 69 and was told "good putt" by his playing partner.

"He's just so polite," said Aberg. "He's got a putt to win his first major and he still said 'good putt' to me?

"He's taking time to look me in the eye and say well done? That stands out. That's really impressive.

"If there's one guy I'd love to lose to, it's probably him."

Aberg will now turn his attention to the U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills next month, where he will have another opportunity to land his first major title.