2009 Black Mountain Masters - Event Preview: Parnevik leads strong Scandinavian challenge

Jesper Parnevik believes his best golfing days are not quite over as he prepares to take a crack at the inaugural Black Mountain Masters starting on Thursday.

The Swedish veteran will star in the US$500,000 Asian Tour event at the stunning Black Mountain Golf Club where his main rivals include local heroes Thongchai Jaidee, Prayad Marksaeng and the in-form Chapchai Nirat, who enjoyed a record 32-under-par win in India last week.

Johan Edfors of Sweden, a three-time winner in Europe, Mikko Ilonen of Finland and current Order of Merit leader Anthony Kang of Korea will also feature in Asia’s newest event.

The 44-year-old Parnevik insists he still has plenty to offer despite a lack of success in recent times. A five-time winner on the US PGA Tour with nine other worldwide victories, he is hoping to find a second wind in his career.

“I’m working as hard as ever. My back held me back the last six months and I’ve not played well. I feel I still have a lot of golf in me. My game is almost very, very good. I’m still motivated to win more tournaments and play for many more years,” said Parnevik today.

A twice runner-up at the British Open as well, Parnevik is known to be eccentric, is famous for having eaten volcanic ash, and is often attired in colourful clothing. He was also synonymous with an upturned peak in his cap although he now uses the traditional porkpie hat.

But Parnevik ultimately wants to be known for his game. “A month ago, my back felt great and I shot 61 in California which was my lowest score on the PGA Tour. When things are fine, things can be perfect. I feel I can play very well again as my back is 100 per cent good,” said Parnevik, who described Black Mountain as the best course he has seen in Asia.

“I hate playing bad golf. That drives me more than anything. I see guys like Vijay Singh and Kenny Perry who are in their 40s and they are still winning tournaments which motivate me.”

Smooth-swinging Prayad, who grew up in Hua Hin, knows he needs at least a top-three finish at the Black Mountain Masters to ensure he stays in the world’s top-50 to earn a place in the US Masters next month.

“I’m not feeling any pressure at all. I know what I must do and if I can achieve my goal, it’ll be good. If I can’t, it won’t worry me,” said the 50th ranked Prayad, who enjoyed a confidence-boosting tied 13th finish at the WGC-CA Championship in Doral two weeks ago.

“My game feels good. My driving, iron play and putting are working nicely and I’m looking forward to the week. It’s a great course but the winds in the afternoon will be a factor.”

The par 72 Black Mountain course, which opened for play in 2007, is set in a valley, just next to the "Black Mountains", which are so named because of the large black rocks set into the mountains.

Players reckon that it will be a haven for big-hitters because of the lack of rough this week and Edfors, taking a break from the European Tour, is hoping to capitalise on his long-driving game.

“The course is in immaculate condition. It hinges on good driving but the bunkers are placed in good spots. There are four par fours that I can drive and it’s really risk and reward. My caddie would probably ask me to lay up but I’m probably a bit more aggressive than my caddie!”, said the Swede.

Thongchai, currently second on the Asian Tour Order of Merit, is hoping that a week spent practising at home will bring its rewards. “I spent some good time working on my game and I’m looking forward to a good week. My game feels strong and I’m ready to challenge,” said the two-time Order of Merit winner.

The full-field Asian Tour event will also see many top sponsors including PTT, Federbrau, TAT and Hua Hin Hoteliers Club supporting the Black Mountain Masters.

March 25, 2009

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