Robert Karlsson will aim to repeat the 'towering' exploits that made his Ryder Cup debut such a memorable affair when he lines up again for Europe at the Royal Trophy in January. Karlsson produced one of the truly unforgettable moments in Europe's record-equalling 18 1/2 - 9 1/2 triumph over the Americans when he hit an approach shot into a television tower on the first morning - and still managed to win the hole!
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With plenty of players finding the water short of the green on that tricky hole, Karlsson was determined not to make the same mistake. But he over-compensated, and his ball ended up between the legs of a startled cameraman. Karlsson was allowed a free drop and made a brilliant up and down to save par, as he and Paul Casey fought out the first of two epic battles with Stewart Cink and JJ Henry, which both ended up all-square. It was a piece of play that would have done credit to the greatest of all golfing escapologists, Seve Ballesteros. So it is no surprise he was so pleased to add Karlsson to his Royal Trophy line-up.
He joins fellow Swedish superstar Henrik Stenson in what is shaping up to be a very powerful European team, with Seve determined to repeat the thrilling 9-7 victory his team secured in the inaugural Royal Trophy. Karlsson could even head to the luxurious Amata Spring Country Club as Europe's number one golfer. He is currently fourth on the Order of Merit, and will go into next week's Volvo Masters with a chance of claiming top spot. Karlsson said: "This has been easily the best year of my career, and playing in the Royal Trophy is a great start towards making sure 2007 will be equally memorable."
"I spoke to Henrik about the Event, and he said it was a terrific format - a lot of fun at a superb venue, but with a hard competitive edge to the golf." "I'm really looking forward to it. The Ryder Cup whetted my appetite for team golf, and being selected for such a prestigious event is a great honor and recognition of the progress I've made in the game. I'm proud of the way I've turned my career round in the past couple of years, and it's nice to be reaping the rewards for that."
"Winning twice in the same year and achieving my highest Order of Merit position makes up for a really special year. Making the European teams for the Ryder Cup and now the Royal Trophy is very special, and hopefully I will carry my 2006 form over into next year. It was important for Swedish golf that we should have not just one but two players on the Ryder Cup team this time, after not being represented on the 2004 team. Now we need to carry that momentum forward, and playing together in the Royal Trophy as well is definitely an important step in the right direction," he said.
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Ballesteros is clearly excited at the possibility of having two of Europe's hottest properties in action together. He said: "Having Robert on the European team is a big plus - in more ways than one. As well as being one of the biggest guys on our Tour he has shown this year that he has got huge talent too. He has been one of the great success stories in European golf in 2006, and he and Henrik could form a very strong partnership in Thailand. I thought they would make a natural team in the Ryder Cup, and I was a bit surprised Ian Woosnam did not send them out together - although that probably reflects the depth of talent in European golf just now."
"But it is certainly a pairing I will be considering very seriously. They both hit the ball a long way, they both make plenty of birdies, and they get on well together. That seems like a good recipe for success to me." |
