Parnevik pulls out of BMW Invitational

Jesper Parnevik has surprised Ryder Cup captain Bernhard Langer by pulling out of next week’s BMW International in Munich – his last chance to press his claims for a fourth successive Ryder Cup wild card.

After six months in which he has had only one top 10 finish, failed to qualify for the Masters, US Open and British Open and struggled with a shoulder problem, the 39-year-old cannot make Europe’s team automatically.

But that is not the principal reason for his decision to skip the final counting event.

Parnevik said: “There are many, but the main one is that I have a big company day in Chicago which has been organised for a long time and when I said I was not going to be there I was not very popular.

“So I decided I wouldn’t play in Munich. We had the dinner on Tuesday and when Bernhard asked if everybody was playing in the BMW I put my hand up and said I wasn’t. He was a little bit surprised.

“But I’m not sure that the tournament is going to have a huge influence on everything. I think he has a good idea on what he wants to do and I’m neither optimistic nor pessimistic – I’m neutral.

“I didn’t play well enough this week to expect a pick and I don’t think anybody who needs a wild card can be disappointed if they don’t get one because they haven’t played themselves onto the team.

“I think the two wild cards are a lot more open than they have been for a lot of years. I reckon there are several guys in with a chance that you can make a case for.”

The four who would appear to be the leading contenders for the two cards at the moment are Colin Montgomerie, Luke Donald, Freddie Jacobson and Alex Cejka.

“Luke is a pretty obvious pick because he’s been playing the best the last month and Freddie is in with a shout because he’s so good mentally and that’s the biggest thing for a rookie. He won’t get nervous.

“But then, of course, you have Monty’s experience and he does seem to get up for the Ryder Cup, as does Olly (Jose Maria Olazabal). And if Paul McGinley drops out of the top 10 he’s another one who’s been playing well, as has Alex.”

Seve Ballesteros gave Parnevik his debut in 1997 and Mark James and Sam Torrance selected him as well.

Parnevik and Sergio Garcia were an unbeaten partnership in Boston five years ago, but he was left out of the first three sessions at The Belfry before losing with Niclas Fasth and then halving against Tiger Woods after Europe had clinched the trophy.