Jacobson looks to Birkdale after sealing Open spot

BETHESDA, Maryland (Reuters) - Swede Fredrik Jacobson has struck form at the ideal time for this month's British Open where he will make his first appearance in three years.

The Gothenburg native has posted top-10 finishes in his last two PGA Tour starts, his second place at the AT&T National on Sunday earning him a spot in the third major championship of the season.

"I've been working really hard for a long time with my coach and it's been coming together the last couple of weeks," Jacobson told reporters after finishing two strokes behind triumphant American Anthony Kim at Congressional Country Club.

"The form is good and I've been excited with my putting. I'm just happy to play well and finish off the week. That was fun."

Jacobson fired a five-under-par 65 in the final round at Congressional to secure his second runner-up spot on the PGA Tour since joining the circuit in 2003.

More importantly, he booked his place at Royal Birkdale as the AT&T National's highest top-five finisher not yet qualified for the July 17-20 British Open.

The Swede had narrowly missed out on an Open berth seven days ago when he was edged out in a sudden-death playoff after 36 holes of international qualifying in suburban Detroit.

"I've was pretty tired all week after that one," the 33-year-old said. "I think the last two rounds (at Congressional) were the first two days when I really felt refreshed."

Jacobson, a three-times winner on the European Tour, has not played at the British Open since tying for 52nd at St Andrews in 2005.