JF: Thomas, you've been a Pacific golfer for four years. A coaching change, dozens of teammates have come and gone, the program is building towards the future... what's it like to be the face of Pacific Golf?
TP: Whew, how bout that for a first question. I guess the biggest change is that we're now striving towards something that we weren't during my first years here. The team's completely different.

JF: For example...
TP: Just the intensity in which we do things like workouts and training.

JF: How much leadership falls upon you being the lone senior on the team?
TP: I'm not going to be the loudest guy if that's what you're asking; that's not who I am.

JF: Ok, who are you?
TP: I like to practice and if I see something that can help my teammates than I'll do the best I can. I hope to lead by example instead of by yelling.

JF: So who does the yelling?
TP: Charlie. Maybe a leader should yell. He just yells to yell.

JF: Pacific Invitational on the line, a 10-footer to win. Who on the team do you want to take the putt?
TP: I'll take it.

JF: No one else on the team?
TP: If it can't be me than I'd take Bayhaan. He's got a killer instinct.

JF: Alright, number 18 out here at Brookside. You guys need a birdie to tie, eagle to win. Who do you want in that position?
TP: I want to pick me again…. Is that ok?

JF: Sure, nothing wrong with that. That's a winner's attitude.
TP: But other than me I'd like Kucich out there…

JF: Wait, tournaments on the line and you're going with two freshmen?
TP: Yeah, it's his home course. He's played it a million times. He'd get it done.

JF: You're Swedish, born and raised.
TP: That's right.

JF: Ryder Cup, your thoughts.
TP: I thought it was expected.

JF: Oh common, who is gonna bet against a team with Tiger on it?
TP: True, but there have been a lot of good European golfers coming out and playing well lately and they play match play a lot more over there than here.

JF: But aren't European players a little soft… isn't that the knock? Sergio always collapses.
TP: No, I don't think we're soft. We have the potent ional to win big championships but it is true that we play better as a team.

JF: You beat Pablo Martin of National Champion Oklahoma State in a qualifier for this year's British Open. What was that like?
TP: Well, the courses are a lot different, everything is rock hard. It's just another experience.

JF: You're a fan of the colored belts and very tight pants on the course. What would you call that? Is that the trademark Euro-style?
TP: (Laughs) Sure, Jay Lindaurg has had a huge influence on golf in Sweden.

JF: Who?
TP: He designs Parnivicks stuff.

JF: Oh, so do you have to be from Europe to pull that stuff off? Could Rosenau or Van Sicklen do it?
TP: Oh yeah, they could do it. I just don't like too much loose fabric hanging around.

JF: No comment. What's the worst, stereotypical golf thing you have in your closet?
TP: I have a diamond patterned argyle sweater… Is that close enough? I wore it to a party my freshman year.

JF: Get out! You did not.
TP: Oh yeah, they kept saying, "nice sweater dude".

JF: (Laughs) Did it attract any women?
TP: Well, I brought one to the party.

JF: Smart play.
JF: Best golfer you ever played with.
TP: Jens Nillson or Joakim Gronhagen.

JF: Who?
TP: He was my teacher, he played on the European Tour.

JF: So you can hang with him?
TP: Well, maybe not in his prime… at least yet.

JF: What about coach (Goethals)?
TP: Uh… what about him?

JF: Could you beat him?
TP: Where did that question come from? (laughs)

JF: So that's a no?
TP: I'll beat coach. Tell me when he wants to play (laughs)!

JF: Ok, speaking of coach, what's he like behind closed doors?
TP: Very intense! Knowledgeable and passionate.

JF: Easy Thomas, you already made the team…
TP: It's true! I will go in to his office feeling like I could take the day off and after five minutes talking with him I feel like I want to go practice all day and through the night.

JF: Complete this sentence. In five years Pacific Golf will be...
TP: ...a serious contender for the national championship.

JF: So what do you guys need to do to win the Pacific Invitational?
TP: Do you want a cliché?
JF: No
TP: It's our home course, we have a good field, we just need to stay patient.
JF:Sounds simple enough.

JF: What's your one American indulgence?
TP: You know... I don't know. You only notice those things when you're back home.

JF: Nothing?
TP: Well I like the weather and stores are always open here…

JF: Common... that's pretty weak Thomas.
TP: What?! You wanted me to say American girls right?
JF: (Laughs) No no... not if you don't like our girls.

JF: Dream foursome...?
TP: Tiger would have to be one of them. Bjorn Borg, Gary Player and Sven Goren Eriksson.
JF: Ah huh. That was too easy. Strongest part of your game?
TP: My will to get better.
JF: Good.
TP: Or my iron play if that first one was too cheesy. It's true though.

JF: Favorite sport other than golf?
TP: Tennis and soccer.

JF: I hear you're pretty good at the former.
TP: I can give my roommates a match (they all play for Pacific).
JF: So you play golf, tennis and soccer. Could you be more European Thomas? Where does football and basketball rank?
TP: I'll watch them but have never really played them.

JF: Hidden talents?
TP: (Shrugs) I speak three languages.
JF: How many hole-in-ones?
TP: Three. Last one came last year at Northridge when coach was caddying for me.

JF: Perfect day for you?
TP: Wake up early but well rested and have a big breakfast.
JF: Of what?
TP: A slice of bread with butter and cheese on it.
JF: Sounds delicious.
TP: Wait, that's not it.
JF: Ok, what next?
TP: I meet up with good friends, we play the West Course at Wentworth Country Club in London. Then we go to the local pub and have a pint.
JF: Butter and cheese on a slice of bread for breakfast, golf at Wentworth and a pint to cap off the day? You really are European aren't you?
TP: What? This is gonna be a ridiculous interview isn't it? (Laughs)
JF: I'd be more worried about coach hearing about you drinking pints.