'It means a lot for the family': Højgaards compete at same Major for first time

By Mathieu Wood

With five DP World Tour wins between them, Rasmus and Nicolai Højgaard have already made their mark on the worldwide stage but in Thursday’s opening round at the US PGA Championship they achieved another career milestone.

For the first time, the 22-year-old identical twins from Denmark are competing at the same Major Championship together as Oak Hill Country Club in Rochester, New York, plays host.

For their father, Ole, the significance of the moment is not lost on him as he spoke of his immense pride at his sons’ latest achievement.

“It means a lot for the family because they have been competing for a long time now and for them to be both be here at a Major now is a huge thing for us,” he told the DP World Tour.

Since their days as amateurs, Rasmus and Nicolai have long been tipped for success as they caught the imagination and focus of the golf world.

Nicolai was the European amateur champion in 2018, the same year he and his brother helped Denmark win the Eisenhower Trophy, the prestigious world amateur team championship, and the pair represented Europe in the Junior Ryder Cup.

After turning professional in early 2019, their rise under the spotlight has been impressive. Rasmus was first to make the breakthrough, winning in a play-off in Mauritius in what was only his fifth Tour start.

It saw him become the third youngest winner on the DP World Tour. Further history-making exploits have since followed.

Just days after Rasmus claimed his third Tour win at the 2021 Omega European Masters in Switzerland, Nicolai entered the winner’s circle at the DS Automobiles Italian Open. In doing so, they became the first brothers to win back-to-back events on the DP World Tour.

And just like when Nicolai was the first to celebrate when Rasmus graduated to the DP World Tour from Qualifying School in 2019, the roles were reversed at Marco Simone Golf & Country Club two years later.

Now, in Upstate New York, the pair are faced with a challenge if they wish to make the cut after Rasmus opened with a five-over-par 75 with Nicolai one shot worse.

But as Ole indicates and has been alluded to by many in the field, the pair knew Oak Hill – which has undergone a massive renovation since it lasted the US PGA a decade ago – would pose a stern test.

“We have been talking about the course a lot here,” he said. “It is a difficult course, it will be a test for both of them but they are both excited to be here.”

“For me, I don’t just think it is a long hitters course. It is narrow and the rough is very tough.”

With both players on opposite sides of the draw, it means long days walking the fairways for Ole as he gives his support to both his sons.

But despite clocking up the miles he wouldn’t wish to be anywhere else as the family spend time together in the same house.

“Every time we are together it is like being home,” he reflected.

“It is very nice having dinner together, having some chit chats and we have a lot of fun. It’s really nice to be together with them.”