Injury Likely to Force Parnevik Into Retirement

Jesper Parnevik, the man whose fashion sense made the world safe for Ian Poulter, may be forced to retire from golf after undergoing back surgery earlier this week. Parnevik says he's been told he needs a second surgery to fuse a joint in his back, repairing a broken verterbrae.

Parnevik told a Swedish newspaper that a miracle is needed for him to keep playing competitive golf. Hoping for that miracle, Parnevik will visit another specialist next week. But he told the newspaper that the career-ending joint fusion surgery "seems inevitable," the Associated Press reported.

Parnevik has had a solid career, winning five times on the PGA Tour, making multiple Ryder Cup teams, finishing second at the 1994 British Open. His influence has been larger than his on-course accomplishments, however.

Parnevik introduced golf to flipped-up cap bills, introduced America to Swedish golf fashion, and introduced Elin Nordegren to Tiger Woods. Nordegren and her twin sister were working as au pairs for the Parnevik family when Jesper introduced her to Tiger at the 2001 British Open.

Here's hoping that Parnevik gets some surprising good news next week when he visits that specialist. While Parnevik hasn't been much of a factor on the golf course in several years, it's always fun having him around.