‘They have everything’: Højgaard twins step up to mix it with golf’s big names

Thomas Bjørn can be forgiven Danish bias. “If they were British or American, there would be a lot more excitement around them,” he said. “But that might be a good thing for them. These guys have a level of ability that you don’t always see.”

The subject matter is the 20-year-old Højgaard twins, Nicolai and Rasmus, about whom there was enthusiastic chatter long before they made impressive starts in esteemed company at the Abu Dhabi Championship. European golf, desperate for a good news tale after Ryder Cup humiliation last September, will place a lot of faith in the Højgaards. They created history last year by becoming the first brothers to win European Tour events in back-to-back weeks.

Bjørn answered with a firm “yes” when asked whether we are correct to make a fuss about this duo. “They have everything,” added the 2018 Ryder Cup captain. “They have the game, the willingness to learn, they are hard workers and don’t get ahead of themselves. We should be excited. That doesn’t mean ‘it just happens’ but they have it all. They have great ears and good people around them. I was really happy to see their draws this week. These are the things they need, to learn to play with the big boys.”

Those pairings cannot be classed as coincidental with the DP World Tour looking to accelerate the development of European players. Nicolai was alongside Adam Scott and Bernd Wiesberger during an opening round of 69. Rasmus had Ian Poulter and Shane Lowry for company before signing for a 70 at Yas Links.

“I was really impressed,” said Scott, the 2013 Masters champion. “I was saying to my caddie, it’s been a while since I have played with a young kid who made me sit back and take notice. His speed is incredible. If he figures out a short