‘Swedish Redneck’ takes unique path to Memorial victory

DUBLIN, Ohio – It has been a wild and wonderful journey that brought Carl Pettersson to the 18th green at the Memorial on Sunday.

His two-shot victory, his second on the PGA Tour, disappointed many who were rooting for the only known quantity near the top of the leaderboard, the ever-smiling Phil Mickelson.

Pettersson, dubbed “The Swedish Redneck” by Stockholm native Jesper Parnevik, was a victor for those who sip tea and speak proper English and also eat grits and watch NASCAR.

“I’m a mutt,” Pettersson said after accepting the crystal championship trophy from host Jack Nicklaus.

Born in Gothenburg, Sweden, the 28-year-old Pettersson lived in England for five years after his father, Lars, an executive in Volvo’s trucks division, was transferred.

When his father was transferred again to Greensboro, N.C., his burly 5-foot-11, 195-pound son tagged along.

Pettersson has spent most of his four full years as a pro on the PGA Tour, although he also plays in Europe.

“I watched a lot of Ryder Cups over the years,” Pettersson said. “I always pull for Europe. I’ve lived here for a lot of years but deep down I am European.”