BBC SPORT | Golf | Beware the Viking raiders

In Norse mythology, Valhalla was the great hall where the souls of Vikings feasted and celebrated with the gods.

This week, at the modern-day Valhalla, Scandinavia's most feared will aim to emulate their ancestors by plundering one of the most valued treasures in golf.

It would be fitting for a Jesper Parnevik or a Thomas Bjorn to carry off the USPGA title at Valhalla, but the Viking invasion does not end there.

In fact, the Scandinavians have four chances to carry off the coveted silverware, with Swedes Mathias Gronberg and Jarmo Sandelin also in the 150-strong field.

Jesper Parnevik is hungry to secure a Major title

Parnevik probably represents the best hope of the four.

Now based mostly in the US, the flamboyant son of one of Sweden's top comedians is a popular figure on the US Tour and has claimed two tournament wins there.

Yet to win a Major, his nerve has twice deserted him when well placed at the British Open, where his golf became as eccentric as his personality.

Those eccentricities stretch to eating volcanic dust, wearing drainpipe trousers and upturned caps on course and even naming his youngest daughter (Pebble Peach Philippa) after his favourite golf course

But Parnevik is undoubtedly exciting to watch, as he proved with some stunning displays alongside Sergio Garcia during last year's Ryder Cup in Brookline.

Has been consistent this season, though a hip injury has kept him off the course for long periods.
Current odds: 50-1

Mathias Gronberg has emerged as a real Swedish talent

Great Dane Bjorn has also bounced back from injury after battling against a neck problem for much of last season.

He had previously become Denmark's first-ever Ryder Cup player, largely on the back of winning the Loch Lomond World Invitational in 1996.

Made a sound Cup debut in Valderrama and went on to secure another two Tour wins before securing joint-second place with Ernie Els at last month's Open Championship.
Current odds: 80-1

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Like Parnevik, Sandelin is another extrovert Swede, wearing crocodile skin golf shows and snug fitting outfits.

Girlfriend Linda was his regular caddie before falling pregnant and the Finnish-born Sandelin turned down a chance to play on the US Tour to remain in Europe with his partner.
Current odds: 100-1

An early winner on the European Tour, claiming the Turespana Open after only his fourth start. Also won the Peugeot Open and the German Open and is another Ryder Cup star.

Jarmo Sandelin was an early winner on the European Tour

Gronberg, a former Swedish Boys champion, has won three times on the European Tour.

He won the 1998 European Open by a massive 10 shots and followed that up with wins at the Canon European Masters and the South African Open.
Current odds: 150-1


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