Swede Karlsson a super trooper as Leonard sunk

THE day started with the passionate visiting fans at Valhalla’s first tee proclaiming “Karlsson’s bigger than Abba”. It ended with the Swede emulating his illustrious compatriots as transatlantic hit machines.

As far as American golf’s fans and media were aware, Robert Karlsson’s only asset of note was the fact that he was taller than Abba, his 6ft 5ins frame attracting more comment than his victory the previous Sunday on the European Tour or his top-10 finishes in the Masters, US Open and Open championships.

The home support, though, was given an education on singles Sunday as Karlsson secured an emphatic 5&3 victory over American favourite Justin Leonard.