Is it Karlsson's turn at SAS Masters?
IN: News | European PGA | SAS Masters (2008) | Preview | by Bruce Young | 13 Aug 2008
The European Tour is in Sweden this week for the SAS Masters at the Arlandastad Golf Club north of Stockholm with much on the line for those players who still consider themselves a chance to make Nick Faldo’s European Ryder Cup team.
That team will be named on August 31st following the Johnnie Walker Classic at Gleneagles and with not only the final few automatic places up for grabs but Faldo’s two Captain’s selections also, there is much at stake given the benefits available to Ryder Cup Team members. Luke Donald’s recent injury will ensure even greater competition for one of the final five or so places on the team.
This week’s venue, the Masters Course at the Arlandastad GC, is a Peter Chamberlain and Sune Lind designed layout and is one of two 18 hole courses at the venue along with a 9 hole floodlit layout.
It is hard to imagine Robert Karlsson not being in the mix somewhere on Sunday in this event. His form in 2008 has been simply stunning and even though he has finished only 20th in his last two events, they were against much stronger fields then he will face this week. Karlsson has not won in over two years but surely his consistency must be repaid soon.
Daniel Chopra is an interesting entrant for several reasons. Born in Sweden and raised in India, Chopra is now an established player on the PGA Tour, winning twice there including the Mercedes Championship.
He stands a chance of making the European Ryder Cup team and clearly this is part of his motivation in being here this week. He has not played well in the last three months but a recent 14th place at the Bridgestone indicates some improvement.
Another PGA Tour player, D.J. Trahan is in the field. A winner this season at the Bob Hope Classic, Trahan’s recent 8th place finish at the Bridgestone suggests he might be a factor this week.
Martin Kaymer won in his homeland of Germany several weeks ago but of late his form has dropped off. Back against easier fields than he has been facing in recent weeks he might bounce back. Kaymer is another who needs to impress Nick Faldo in the next few weeks or alternatively do enough to force his way onto the European team automatically.
Soren Kjeldsen is a much better player than his two recent missed cuts would indicate and he might prove that this week and although seldom a winner, Peter Hanson could do well in his homeland.
The Australasian challenge is headed by Peter O’Malley while Marcus Fraser, Wade Ormsby, Gareth Paddison, Terry Pilkadaris, Peter Fowler, Matthew Millar and Steve Alker get their chance to advance their cause.
