Porsche European Open: Five sleepers

PASSAU, GERMANY - SEPTEMBER 25: Michael Jonzon of Sweden tees off on the 18th during the final round of the Porsche European Open at Golf Resort Bad Griesbach on September 25, 2016 in Passau, Germany. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)
PASSAU, GERMANY - SEPTEMBER 25: Michael Jonzon of Sweden tees off on the 18th during the final round of the Porsche European Open at Golf Resort Bad Griesbach on September 25, 2016 in Passau, Germany. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images) /
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European Open
Alexander Bjork of Sweden. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

Between Henrik Stenson, Alex Noren and now Alexander Bjork, Swedish golf continues to impress as of late.

The 27-year-old has done well in his first year on the European Tour after needing three cracks to get past the Challenge Tour.

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He’s assured his Tour card for next year thanks to two top-five finishes and 12 made cuts in 17 tries.

His best finish is a T3 at the Open de France, a Rolex Series event that earned him entry into the Open Championship. Bjork missed the cut at Royal Birkdale, but I’m willing to give him a pass based on recent forming headed to the European Open.

According to his European Tour profile, Bjork could have been a professional tennis player. That hand-eye coordination is evident in his iron game. He’s 45th on Tour in greens in regulation (70.1%).

Overall, he’s been one of the steadier players this year. He’s 14th in stroke average (70.45), 71st in putting (29.3) and 86th in driving accuracy (60.9%). If distance isn’t too much of a requisite this week (208th, 286.7 yards) then I envision Bjork getting in contention and perhaps picking up his maiden European Tour win.

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Golf Channel begins coverage of the Porsche European Open first round live action on Thursday, July 27, at 5:30am ET and will provide daily coverage of all four rounds.