I’m a Ryder Cup legend who loves eating volcanic dust and regretted setting Tiger Woods up with his ex-wife
RYDER CUP legend Jesper Parnevik eats volcanic dust and set up Tiger Woods with his ex-wife.
The Swedish golf icon is known for his individual approach to life, whilst his career has been defined by bold fashion choices and Major near-misses.
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Raised by entertainer Bo Parnevik and nicknamed “Spaceman”, some of his antics appear unique to others.
He is known for his habit of eating volcanic dust in order to purge his system.
Meanwhile, Parnevik also has his blood analysed for radiation and had his metal fillings replaced with ceramic version to lower his mercury levels.
As for his links to Woods, the 15-time Major winner was set up with his ex-wife by Parnevik and his own wife.
Elin Nordegren had been Parnevik’s nanny when he introduced her to Woods, with the couple tying the knot in 2004.
They would stay married for six years before their divorce in 2010 following the news of Woods’ infidelity.
When the scandal broke, Parnevik had admitted he regretted setting the couple up.
“I would be especially sad about it,” he told the Golf Channel in 2009.
“I really feel sorry for Elin, since me and my wife were at fault for hooking her up with him.
“We probably thought he was a better guy than he is. I would probably need to apologise to her.”
Parnevik later said he was not looking forward to seeing Woods on the course but that he “won’t hit him with a golf club” if he does.
The 58-year-old has 15 professional wins to his name, including five on the PGA Tour, but has never won a Major.
He came close twice, though, finishing second at The Open Championship in 1994 and 1997.
In 1994, Parnevik had a two-shot lead approaching the final hole when he heard roars from behind him as Nick Price pulled level.
However, the Swede bogeyed the 18th to miss out to Price by a single shot.
Three years later at Royal Troon, Parnevik again had a two-shot lead, this time going into the final round.
He went on to close the weekend with a two over par 73, though, finishing three shots behind winner Justin Leonard.
Parnevik was more successful in the Ryder Cup, however, winning the event on two of his three appearances.
Now in his 50s, he has been playing on the Champions Tour since 2015, winning the Insperity Invitational in 2016.