Top 5: Scandinavian Ryder Cup stars
In two years’ time fiery character Thomas Bjorn has the tough challenge of leading a wounded Europe out against a reinvigorated USA at Le Golf National in France for the 2018 Ryder Cup.
The Danish European Tour stalwart has an impeccable Ryder Cup record, winning three times as a player and four times as an assistant.
Bjorn, who will become only the fourth Ryder Cup captain from outside the British Isles, tasted defeat in a Ryder Cup for the first time earlier this year at Hazeltine.
But the 45-year-old isn’t the only Scandinavian to have performed well in the biggest team event in men’s golf.
Check out our list of top five Scandinavian Ryder Cup stars…
5. Per-Ulrik Johansson
The first Swede to play in the Ryder Cup twice (1995 and 1997), Per-Ulrick Johansson also lifted the famous golden trophy on both occasions.
He had a decent record in his two outings, winning three and losing two.
But in terms of famous Swedes on this list, Per-Ulrik isn’t as big as some of his other countrymen.
4. Robert Karlsson
Robert Karlsson perhaps doesn’t possess the most impressive Ryder Cup record – winning once, losing twice and halving four times – but he did help make the score slightly more respectable for Europe in the 2008 loss to the USA with his singles victory over Justin Leonard.
He was on the victorious side in 2006, contributing a point as Europe ran out convincing 18.5-9.5 winners.
3. Jesper Parnevik
Probably known more for his eccentric taste in clothing than his achievements on the course, Jesper Parnevik has a pretty handy Ryder Cup record.
The Swedish star represented Europe three times and was on the winning side twice.
His record reads four wins, three loses and four half points – not too shabby, Jasper (unfortunately the same can’t be said about some of his attire).
2. Thomas Bjorn
The 2018 Europe captain and first Danish golfer to qualify for the Ryder Cup, Thomas Bjorn represented Europe three times and was on the winning side on each occasion.
The Dane won four points from nine matches as a player.
He made a vital contribution to Europe’s 14.5-13.5 victory at Valderrama in 1997 with a half-point in his singles match against Justin Leonard.
He has also served as an assistant four times and tasted defeat in the Ryder Cup for the first time this year at Hazeltine.
1. Henrik Stenson
The fourth Swede on the list and the top dog, Henrik Stenson has contributed eight points to Europe’s cause over four Ryder Cups.
This year’s Open winner was one of Europe’s leaders as they claimed a third win in a row at Gleneagles in 2014.
He recorded three points and formed an exciting partnership with Justin Rose.
Stenson was also one of the more impressive performers for Europe in the loss at Hazeltine this year. He scored two points in the heavy defeat.
