Robert Karlsson has become the first Swede in history to win the Order of merit title after his closest challenger Lee Westwood failed to pip Soren Kjeldsen in the Volvo masters. Westwood needed a victory in Valderrama to win the title, but shot a 1 over 72 to finish four shots off the lead.
Karlsson himself ended up finishing in 32nd place in this tournament, but this was enough for him get his hands on the Harry Vardon trophy. Speaking about his commendable achievement, the Swedish golfer said that it had been a ‘fantastic season’ and that securing the trophy marked a ‘great day for Swedish golf’.
By becoming the Order of Merit winner, Karlsson has made it five years in a row where a different player has secured the award. He follows Ernie Els, Colin Montgomerie, Padraig Harrington and Justin Rose as winners after a remarkably consistent season for the 39-year-old. He only finished outside the top-20 on six occasions in 23 events.
It was far from an easy ride for the Swede in the final stages though as he looked anxiously at the scoreboard during this weekend’s tournament. There was always every chance according to the golf odds that Westwood would win in Valderrama and it was out of Karlsson’s hands.
Referring to this, he said that although he wasn’t ashamed of where he finished in the final tournament of the season the situation was one of the most difficult of his 17-year career.
In terms of what the future holds for Karlsson, well he is targeting a major victory in 2009. He says that he will be ‘focusing on what I can do’ as he looks to continue his excellent form. For now though, he should just enjoy being the Order of Merit champion.
By Thomas Rooney – A sports writer who blogs about golf betting
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