Crail, Scotland …. Sweden’s Jesper Parnevik is targeting a third consecutive Swedish victory on Scottish soil after opening with a two under par round of 70 in The Senior Open Championship Presented by Rolex.

Alex Noren secured his fifth European Tour title with victory at the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open, then compatriot Henrik Stenson won his first Major the following week at The 145th Open Championship.

Now, playing in his second Senior Open, Parnevik made a solid start in the first round at Carnoustie, sitting just two shots behind leader Woody Austin.

Sweden’s Jesper Parnevik on targer to make it three Swedish wins in three weeks in Scotland. (Photo – www.europeantour.com)

“It’s very good for Swedish golf that Henrik finally won a Major,” said Parnevik. “The women have put pressure on us for years by winning their Majors, Annika (Sorenstam) to name one.

“It was huge. The way he has been playing over the last five or six years, it was just a matter of time. Hopefully now we’re going to see more.”

Parnevik made a steady start to his opening round, with eight consecutive pars before his only bogey of the day on the ninth. He then carded birdies on the 11th, 12th and 14th holes to join countryman Magnus P Atlevi and eight other golfers on two under par.

“This is a good start,” he said. “I haven’t been playing much this summer. I had too much fun in Sweden with my family and friends.

“So I’m actually excited about this. Anytime I come to Scotland and play, I become really motivated because I love this type of golf.

“I played pretty well on the front nine, but I’d take two-under any day of the year.

“This is one of the toughest links courses we play and the course is tough even when it’s not windy. It’s not that it was that strong, but it switched around three times.

“It was tough to get used to that switch, because usually it’s just so strong but it keeps going in one direction.”

• Thanks to www.europeantour.com