Robert Karlsson will attempt to enter the record books this week as only the third Swedish golfer in the 35 year history of The European Tour to successfully defend a title when he puts his Celtic Manor Wales Open crown on the line.
Only two compatriots – Anders Forsbrand (1991 and 1992 Volvo Open di Firenze) and Per-Ulrik Johansson (1996 and 1997 Smurfit European Open) – have completed the notable feat but now the towering Karlsson will have the chance to join the exclusive club following his impressive victory at The Celtic Manor Resort 12 months ago.
The 37 year old stood tall last year, a sensational opening 61 on the Roman Road course proving the catalyst for not only The European Tour’s record low scores for 36 holes (124) and 54 holes (189), but also a three shot winning margin over England’s Paul Broadhurst.
The victory, along with a later season success in The Deutsche Bank Players’ Championship of Europe, helped Karlsson become the most prolific Swedish winner on The European Tour with seven titles and also saw him cement his place in Europe’s successful Ryder Cup Team at The K Club in September.
“I’m very much looking forward to making a return for this year’s Celtic Manor Wales Open and I hope to recapture the form I showed in the tournament last year,” he said.
“I played some of my best golf during the first three days of last year’s event and, despite a little wobble in the middle of the final round, I was very pleased to bounce back with some birdies and to win such a big tournament.”
Karlsson’s opening 61 was, incredibly, not the lowest score of the tournament last year as Phillip Archer came within a whisker of claiming golf’s Holy Grail – the first score of 59 on The European Tour – when he carded a nine under par 60 to lead the first round.
The Englishman had a tricky seven foot downhill putt to become the first man in history to break 60 in official European Tour competition but could only wince in agony as the ball slipped past the left edge of the hole.
Now, the cream of talent on The European Tour will have one last chance to shoot for immortality and the glory of a 59 as The Celtic Manor Wales Open is played over the 6743 yard, par 69 Roman Road course for the final time this year before the tournament moves, in 2008, to the new course built specifically for The 2010 Ryder Cup.
Headlining the quest to do just that will be South African Retief Goosen, at Number Ten the highest player from the Official World Golf Ranking in action, who will be joined by another former US Open Champion Michael Campbell, eight time European Tour Order of Merit winner Colin Montgomerie, past Celtic Manor Wales Open winners Simon Khan and Paul Lawrie, and Tredegar’s Bradley Dredge, the highest ranked Welshman in the World Rankings, who will spearhead the home challenge.
Goosen, making his debut in the tournament, admitted his quest for the title will be a tough one given the quality of the field assembled in South Wales.
“The Celtic Manor Wales Open has grown into one of the top events on The European Tour International Schedule,” he said. “You only have to look at some of the winners’ names on the trophy know some seriously good golfers have competed for this title.
“When you add players like Colin Montgomerie to the mix, I am sure it will be another very strong field for this year’s tournament but I’m confident I can give them a run for their money.”
Unfortunately, one player who will not be in action in his home country is the 2006 European Ryder Cup Captain Ian Woosnam who is still suffering from the viral infection which ruled him out of action in last week’s BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth Club.
“Obviously I am very disappointed to miss out on playing in my National Open as there is nothing better than playing in your home country in front of your own spectators,” said Woosnam. “But health issues take precedence.”
The Celtic Manor Wales Open always aims to provide an experience that is much more than just a golf tournament. Ladies’ Day, on the Saturday of the event, has become one of the hottest dates on the sporting calendar, relaxed master classes on the range give spectators a unique insight into some of their favourite players, and a family tented village complete with Kidz Zone provides additional entertainment for all.
