GRAND BLANC, Michigan - Jesper Parnevik says he expects Tiger Woods to return to action with even more focus and determination after the birth of his first child.
Parnevik, who introduced Woods to his wife Elin when she was nanny for his children, did his best to take advantage of the world number one's absence from the Buick Open on Saturday, firing an eight-under 64 to go one shot off the lead.
Golfer Tiger Woods carries his first child, Sam Alexis Woods, with his wife Elin, in their residence in Florida June 23, 2007, in this handout released June 25, 2007 file photo. Woods will return to competitive golf at the Congressional Country Club next week. [AP]
There has been much speculation about how becoming a father will affect Woods's famous focus and meticulous attention to detail.
But Parnevik believes Woods will be extra-motivated when he gets back to work next weekend at the Congressional after taking a break from the PGA Tour to be with his baby daughter.
"Unfortunately, I think he's going to play even better now, which is very bad news for us on the PGA Tour," Parnevik told reporters.
"As soon as I had my first child, I think I won five tournaments the next three or four years, so he could probably win 25 the next two-to-three years.
"This game is so much about focus and pressure. With all the stress and all the chaos he has in his life to have something else to think about...it sometimes really helps your mindset and makes you relax on the course.
"Not that he has a tough time focusing but I think his focus could actually be better."
Parnevik also knows that children, and alcohol, can have the potential to affect your game in other ways.
Earlier in the year the flamboyant Swede broke his finger when he tripped over a suitcase while checking on his daughter, who was having a nightmare.
Six weeks ago, Parnevik was injured again, breaking his toe after running into a case of beer while getting off a boat in the Bahamas.
"So there you go, stay away from kids and alcohol and you're doing okay," he said.