Parnevik pleased with his progress in returning from fractured vertebrae

A year ago, Jesper Parnevik wondered if a fractured vertebrae would keep him from playing golf again. A Swedish newspaper suggested he would be forced to retire.

Parnevik is pleasantly surprised with his progress.

He competed for the first time in nine months at Disney in the final tournament last year, and opened this year in contention through two rounds at the Sony Open until he closed with 73-73 in the 36-hole final to tie for 54th.

So far, so good.

“My back felt as good as I can hope for,” Parnevik said. “According to the doctor, I’ve got about 50 percent functionality, and it’s improving. I’ve very pleased with that.”

Parnevik is happy to be playing golf, although he enjoyed being with his wife and four children.

“Being home that long was good and bad,” he said. “It was good to spend time with the family. The bad news is the bills are coming in, and I haven’t made a dime for two years.”