Europe
Profile: Robert Karlsson
| Born | St Malm, Sweden |
|---|---|
| age | 36 |
| height | 6ft 5in |
| Turned Pro | 1989 |
| World ranking | 36 |
| Appearances | Debut |
| Won | Lost | Halved | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Singles | - | - | - |
| Foursomes | - | - | - |
| Fourball | - | - | - |
| Total | - | - | - |
| Win Rate | - |
With two wins over the summer Robert Karlsson played his way onto Ian Woosnam's team and set the lanky Swede up for a belated Ryder Cup debut. Belated because the 36-year-old was controversially overlooked in 1999 by then captain Mark James.
Seven years ago Karlsson finished 11th in the standings after the final counting event in Munich. However, “Jessie”, who had already picked Jesper Parnevik as one of his wildcards, opted for Andrew Coltart who was one place below Karlsson in 12th.
That's now all behind him and with wins Celtic Manor Wales Open in June and more recently the European Players Championship at Gut Kaden in Germany the Karlsson can now look forward to the action at the K-Club. Having recorded his seventh tour win he also became Europe's most successful Swede.
At six-foot five inches Karlsson is one of the tallest men on tour and will therefore be easily recognised around the Palmer Course. Despite his height he maintain a very efficient and tidy swing. He is the son of a greenkeeper and comes from St Malm but now lives in Monaco.
On a quirky note he followed the teaching of the late Dr Bengt Stern and one particular undertaking included a two week fast and an entire night spent hitting 10 foot putts while a friend berated him if he missed. The idea was that he would face a level of frustration that would go way beyond anything which could unsettle him in a tournament situation.
Let's hope the eager crowds don't get to be a distraction for him at the K-Club!
- Paul Gallagher