Karlsson - No Sawgrass regrets

Swede comfortable with choice to snub 'unofficial fifth major'

Last updated: 7th May 2008

robert karlsson

Karlsson: Opted for Italy

It would have been nice if they'd told the players exactly what the situation was, but I'd made my plans to come to Italy by then and after thinking about it for a couple of hours decided to stick to it.

Robert Karlsson
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Having opted to snub golf's 'unofficial fifth major' Robert Karlsson, is hoping to press his Ryder Cup claims at the Italian Open this week.

The Swede opted to turn his back on this week's Players Championship after confusion about qualification for the event - and that despite finishing sixth at Sawgrass 12 months ago.

The big-hitting 38-year-old recovered from an opening 77 last year to finish just five back of eventual champion Phil Mickelson.

However, a mix-up over when the cut-off point would fall for places in the world's top 50 - and subsequent qualification for the event - meant Karlsson decided to make plans to play in Italy instead.

Eventually he was informed he would be eligible for Sawgrass, but he stuck by his original choice to play in Milan.

Confident

Although the Players Championship might appear to offer the opportunity to garner more ranking points, Karlsson - who was part of Europe's triumphant team at the K Club - could need to finish only ninth in Italy on Sunday to climb from his current eighth place in the Ryder Cup points race to sixth and is confident he has made the right decision.

"The thing is that I didn't know for certain that I'd be playing," he explained. "I was being told that this Monday's world ranking list was the one that decided it, but I didn't want to go over to the States early and then find I wasn't playing.

"Then my manager was told last week that that Monday's list was the cut-off and I was in.

"It would have been nice if they'd told the players exactly what the situation was, but I'd made my plans to come to Italy by then and after thinking about it for a couple of hours decided to stick to it.

"The last three rounds I played at Sawgrass last year (68-71-66, five better than winner Phil Mickelson) were probably the best I played all season.

"Because of that it was tempting to go back once I knew I was in, but I know it can work out for the best for me being here instead."