Share

Swedes set their sights on home glory

Cape Town - It's a week in which home grown stars have reason to be confident of success, and both Alexander Bjork and Joakim Lagergren have arrived at the Nordea Masters in good spirits after sealing their maiden European Tour wins earlier in the season.

Swedes have an outstanding record at this tournament, with the seven titles captured by Jesper Parnevik (1995 and 1998), Joakim Haeggman (1997), Peter Hanson (2008), Richard S Johnson (2010) and Alex Noren (2011 and 2015) creating the record for most Swedish victories in the same European Tour event.

For Björk and Lagergren, victory at Hills Golf Club in Gothenburg - which is hosting the Nordea Masters for the first time - would add gloss to a season in which they lifted trophies at the China Open and Sicilian Open respectively.

Although there are similarities to the early part of their seasons, their preparations for their home event have been markedly different.

Lagergren has enjoyed four weeks off after a positive fortnight on the Rolex Series, finishing tied 12th at the Irish Open and tied 23rd at the Scottish Open.

"It's great to be back on home soil and play in front of a Swedish crowd, family and friends. Sometimes you want a bit too much and you might put too much pressure on yourself because you are home. I always want to play well so it’s important to find a good level of play." said Lagergren.

Meanwhile Bjork arrives in Gothenburg after an intense two-week period in the United States, making his debut in both the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational and PGA Championship.

"The first victory on the European Tour felt really big and it was also a real boost for my self confidence and my career," said Bjork.

"I need to be on top of my game this week so a lot of rest and good practice to be ready on Thursday when it all starts."

Despite the positive omens, the Swedes will have some stiff opposition this week as they go up against a field that includes Major winner Martin Kaymer of Germany and the in-form Dane Thorbjorn Olesen, who finished tied fourth at this event last year and will also have one eye on the Ryder Cup points lists as the race to make the team for the 2018 event in Paris next month hots up.

Defending champion Renato Paratore of Italy became the youngest player ever to win the Nordea Masters last season aged 20 years and 172 days, and he is aiming to create more history by becoming the first player to win the event in consecutive years.  

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1473 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2252 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE