Jesper Parnevik

A flamboyant dresser who has since become a TV star in his native Sweden, there is rarely a dull moment when Jesper Parnevik is around.

This was particularly true in the Open Championships of 1994 and 1997, when he nearly became the first Scandinavian to lift the Claret Jug.

His story could have been so different had he checked the scoreboard at Turnberry in 1994. He teed off on the 18th with a two-shot lead over Nick Price, in the group behind him, but attacked the hole thinking a birdie was required.

A bogey was the result and when Price produced a remarkable eagle putt on 17, then parred the last, it was the Zimbabwean who came out on top.

He had another chance three years later when leading by two going into the final day, only for a two-over round of 73 to leave him in a share for second behind Justin Leonard at Royal Troon.

Named Sweden’s Golfer of the Year in 1999, Parnevik rose as high as seventh in the world the following year but was unable to scratch his major itch.

He made three Ryder Cup appearances and also appeared as himself in 2007 comedy ‘Who’s Your Caddy?’.