Parnevik (44) may have to retire because of back problems

Sweden's Jesper Parnevik says his future career as a pro golfer is in jeopardy. He will likely have to give up the game because of a broken vertebrae in his lower back.
Parnevik, a five-time winner on the US PGA Tour, told a Swedish newspaper this week that doctors said he needs to have joint fusion surgery, “which means I can't play anymore.”
The paper that Parnevik had emergency back surgery on Monday that would keep him from playing for at least a month. The 44-year-old Swedish golfer said a more advanced operation that could risk his career “seems inevitable.”
Parnevik finished second in the 1994 Open at Turnberry - where he might have won if he had not misread the scoreboard playing the last hole. He is considered one of Sweden's greatest golfers. He had surgery on his right hip last year and did not play a tournament until Q-school in December, when he withdrew before the six rounds were over because he "wasn't ready."
Back problems forced Parnevik to withdraw from the Northern Trust Open in Los Angeles last week. He will visit a physiotherapist in Detroit next week in a last-ditch attempt to prolong his career.
“I'll have to hope for a miracle if there's going to be any more competitive golf,” said Parnevik.