European Ryder Cup
rookie Jarmo Sandelin has replaced his girlfriend as his caddie in a bid
to boost his game for this month's match against the Americans.
Sandelin has decided,
with girlfriend Linda Lundberg's approval, that she give way to more experienced
Tour caddie Tim King in the build up to the September 24-26 match at The
Country Club, Brookline, near Boston.
The new partnership
begins at this week's British Masters which has returned to its former
venue of the Duke's Course, Woburn.
"I thought I'd give
it a try with a regular Tour caddie to try to save some shots," the 32-year-old
Swede said, adding that the new arrangement may be only temporary.
"If I feel Tim can't
make any improvements then I think Linda will be the caddie in Boston.
This week is basically a trial to see how it works," he said.
Sandelin, who played
his way into the team with victories in the Spanish and German Opens this
year, has seen his form dip over the past two months.
He has missed three
cuts and finished 65th, 43rd and 30th twice in his last seven events.
Sandelin said he
was making the switch to benefit the Ryder Cup team.
"If I can save a
shot anywhere thanks to the experience of a professional caddie then I
have to do it for the team. Linda agrees 100 percent, of course. She is
behind me. We both agree the team is the most important thing.
"If I hadn't made
the Ryder Cup team I would not have made any changes."
King, a former bag
carrier for Per-Ulrik Johansson in the 1995 and 1997 Ryder Cups, said he
could have a calming effect on Sandelin in Boston.
"I understand how
nerveracking the Ryder Cup is. Nerves can play a big part and the caddie
can often help the player stay calm.
"But it was a big
surprise to be called on the phone out of the blue."
Said Lundberg: "If
this helps the team then it is a good thing. I have no problem taking a
back seat at Brookline.
"I would probably
really enjoy watching the matches with the other girlfriends and wives
instead of having to work!"
