Jesper Parnevik lauds Henrik Stenson for turning his career around

Stenson produced an Open masterclass at Royal Troon less than a fortnight ago to claim a long-awaited first major title at the age of 40.

The Swede can boast a long list of honours from his illustrious career, but slipped down to 207 in the world rankings in 2011 after suffering a serious loss of form.

Parnevik views his compatriot's remarkable performance on the South Ayrshire coast as even more impressive given the struggles he endured.

The former world number seven told Omnisport: "He'd really lost his game for a while, he pretty much fell off the planet and could not hit a fairway with any club.

"He was almost thinking of quitting for a while, so that's what made his Open win even more impressive. To come back and play on the level he is now is incredible, so more kudos to him."

Parnevik feels Stenson can be in the mix to win back-to-back majors at Baltusrol provided he can reproduce the sort of exhibition he put on at Royal Troon.

He added: "I think he can maintain the high standards he has set and play very well for the rest of the year, he will certainly have a chance at the US PGA."

The enigmatic Parnevik is also backing his fellow-Swede to inspire Europe to Ryder Cup glory when they face the United States at Hazeltine in just over two months' time.

"He must for sure be the anchor on that team now, I'm sure he will take that role and carry the Europeans through." said two-time Ryder Cup winner Parnevik.