FREDDY JACOBSON

There’s cool, then there’s cool. Freddy Jacobson is too ready with a big grin to be Brando or Dean. Unlike many of his smooth, almost trans-Atlantic Swedish countrymen, there’s an endearing touch of rough-edged Hicksville to the way he carries himself off-course. He speaks with a deep, booming voice and a thick, deliberate delivery. Try as you might, you can’t help thinking of Governor Arnie when he speaks.

On-course, he looks the part: Lindeberg kit, visor, wispy bits of facial hair here and there. He’s powerful – even his practice swings make you want to dive for cover – but it’s his short game that’s put him up there in the reckoning with the big boys. That and his unswerving determination. “His mind is his greatest asset,” comments Jesper Parnevik. “He’s a very relaxed guy, but he is also totally committed to his game. Anybody else who was six over after 11 holes of their first round at The Masters would have panicked. But Freddy is very straight in the head. He actually managed to put himself in contention to win the tournament at one point.” Jesper once called him the Swedish Seve and nearly got a clip round the ear for his troubles. Either way, there’s no denying his mix of homespun logic, conviction and overwhelming charisma. Freddy Jacobson is as cool as you like; and what’s more he’s a winner.

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