Swedes among the favourites for Scandinavian TPC

Hjorth – on top form


“I haven’t been on the top lately,” she confessed.

“I had my (back) injury in April and I’ve been free for two months.”

Despite posting top-20 finishes on her only two LET appearances this year – at the Evian Masters (tied-sixth) in July and the Ladies British Open (tied-16th) last week – Sörenstam insists her main objective is to regain her fitness.

“I need to get back the rhythm and I’m closer now,” she added.

“I want to be free of injuries to start with and then play the same. I don’t have any pain at the moment and that’s the most important thing. I can train as much as I want.”

The lure of the home support is likely to be extra incentive for Sörenstam, who tasted victory at Barsebäck in the 2005 TPC.

“It’s actually great to be back. Barsebäck is a fantastic place,” she said.

“I’ve got some great memories. I don’t get too many opportunities to come back to Sweden so I’m enjoying it.”

Sörenstam is one of 32 Swedes to be playing in the tournament.

Compatriots Sophie Gustafson, Catrin Nilsmark, Cecilia Ekelundh, Carin Koch, Linda Wessberg and Sorenstam’s younger sister Charlotta are also set to tee-off tomorrow.

And top players from the LPGA Tour, Brittany Lincicome, Laura Diaz and Stacy Prammanasudh are also appearing alongside a host of well-known European names such as Suzann Pettersen of Norway, Catriona Matthew from Scotland and Gwladys Nocera of France.

The first groups will tee-off at 8am tomorrow, with Sörenstam due out on the course alongside Pettersen and Lincicome 20 minutes later.