Jesper Parnevik will be looking to use compatriot Henrik Stenson’s capture of the Claret Jug to spur him on in his bid to land the first Major Championship of his career at the Senior Open Championship Presented by Rolex this week.
The 51 year old arrived at Carnoustie Golf Links buoyed by Stenson’s triumph at The 145th Open Championship, the first time a Swedish male has won a Major.
Parnevik, who twice finished second in The Open in 1994 and 1997, believes Stenson’s win will be prominent in the minds of the Swedes teeing off at Carnoustie tomorrow.
“I can take a lot of inspiration, but the motivation is always here when it comes to Scotland,” said Parnevik.
“I don’t think anyone in Sweden thought a Swedish male would win a Major. Hopefully for the players that are playing now, and especially Henrik, the floodgates might open. I can see three, four or five more Majors in him.”
Parnevik, who is one of Sweden’s most successful players with four European Tour wins and three Ryder Cup appearances, feels there is more to come from his fellow countryman.
"He’s going to win pretty much every award you can win in Sweden, and he’s deserved it."
“Hopefully he can celebrate this week, enjoy it and then kind of forget about it, because I think he has a few more he can win this year,” he added.
Parnevik is making his second Senior Open appearance this week and revealed he is excited about the challenge that lies in wait.
“Carnoustie is always one of those courses that puts up a bit of a fight, and I like to see that,” he said.
“You have to think on every shot. You have so many obstacles to avoid from the tee and into the greens. It looks like we’re going to get a little bit of good weather, but if the wind starts blowing it’s going to be tough.”
Magnus P Atlevi will also be hoping to give Swedish fans something to cheer about this week when he tees off tomorrow, and the 50 year old – who finished tied third in the WINSTONgolf Senior Open – said he hopes to play his part in making sure that Swedes hold both Claret Jugs come Sunday.
“That would be something if Sweden had both Championships,” said Atlevi.
“It was great for Henrik and we all feel for him. It opens the door for him and he might win a few more over the next two or three years. It would be great if we could do something similar this week.”
