Henrik Norlander considers his wife and children to be the most important people in his life. The Swedish golfer, who was the top leader at the 2023 Sanderson Farms Championship with a 7-under-65 on Thursday, has a clear choice. On that list, there’s a clear No.
The Ryder Cup.
Norlander, after his first round of golf at the Country Club of Jackson, said: “Growing in Sweden is like everything.” You can probably tell when you watch – I am not saying that the Americans don’t give a damn. They care. We were just born this way. “Being on a Ryder Cup winning team is like winning the major.”
Norlander was not part of the winning European team last week, but he observed from afar. He said the success and scenes only motivated him to be on a future team.
Norlander birdied his second and third holes, before he parred seven consecutive holes. His second shot was on No. The par-5 11th hole was a 236-yard drive that landed within 14 feet.
He made three consecutive birdies on the No. 13. Norlander finished his scorching back nine with an eagle chip on the par-5 fourteenth.
Norlander admitted, “It is easy to say that I haven’t been in the best mental state for the past two years. I haven’t really played well golf.” You put a lot pressure on yourself. Today, I had a good attitude. I felt very calm. I wasn’t too excited… The next shot is all that matters. It’s boring but if you do it, it makes it much easier.
Henrik Norlander matches his season’s best score (2022 World Wide Technology Championship/R3) for individual stroke-play competitions with a 7-under-65 in the first round of the Sanderson Farms Championship.
This is his seventh start in the event. He has won back-to-back T4s, both in 2020 and 2021.
— PGA TOUR Communications October 5, 2020
Norlander is yet to finish in the top 10 of this season’s rankings, and has only five top-25 finishes. He missed the cut at three of his four previous events before Mississippi.
Norlander is still recovering from an injury he sustained two years ago, just before the Wyndham Championships in Greensboro (North Carolina). Norlander played hide-and-seek behind a couch with his 18-month old son. Norlander was unable to get into “vertical” position for 48 hours after his son discovered him.
Norlander spoke of his struggle. “I went to New York and played the first playoff tournament hurting a great deal, so I’m not sure where it all started. “I began lifting weights on my way back. If you do this enough, it becomes a habit. It has taken a very long time. We have two children, a nine-month-old and a three-and a half-year old. “They’ve kept me happy but this game humbles one pretty badly.”
A familiar face finished just behind Norlander in his first round. Matt NeSmith shot 66 with four birdies and a eagle. He and Norlander both share the same coach, Gary Cressend.
