August 15th, 2011

Robert Karlsson believes he has what it takes to become a Major Champion after coming up just short at the US PGA Championship.

The former European Number One from Sweden put together an incredible final round charge at Atlanta Athletic Club, but having got within one of the lead bogeyed the last three and eventually finished in a tie for fourth.

“After today, it's probably the first time I can say to myself, I am good enough to win one of these,” said Karlsson. “Obviously it helps - I know I've played against them many, many times and that I have beaten them on several occasions, so obviously it's way easier to see it, it's been done. When Darren [Clarke] does it - it's different if Tiger does it every time he shows up and feels a bit harder, but now it is possible.”

Karlsson had four birdies in his first ten holes, then spectacularly eagled the 12th to reach eight under.

“I hit a driver and six iron to six feet on number 12 and knocked it in which was obviously nice,” he added. “Then I didn't really hit great shots, but when I had chances, just didn't go in, and 15 was a great chance. That putt was really, really close to going in.

“On 16 I was a bit unlucky, hit a great drive but when I came up, it landed just underneath the trees on the fairways. There was quite a bit of mud on the ball and when it came out, it was lower left and not much I could do about that.

“Those sorts of things happen. Then I hit a three putt on 17, obviously tried to hole it but I know it was an extremely quick putt down there, but it just fooled me. I know it was very quick, because I played it a couple of times in the practice round but still caught me out a little bit.”