CHARLOTTE, N.C., May 6 (UPI) -- The European Ryder Cup team has suffered a setback with news that Jesper Parnevik will not play in this year's event.
The Florida-based Swede, who plays most of his golf on the American PGA Tour, said he is not prepared to play the 11 European Tour events necessary to be eligible for selection for the showdown with the United States in September outside Detroit.
"Playing 11 extra tournaments in Europe would be tough," Parnevik said Thursday at the Wachovia Championship.
"If I was guaranteed a spot on the team, it would be different, but as it is, I'd have to play three months straight in Europe to maybe get a captain's pick."
Parnevik, 39, has played the previous three Ryder Cups, compiling a record of 4-3-4. He had his hand forced because he is not exempt for the four majors and three World Golf Championships events that are part of the European Tour.
