Home favourite and World Number FourHenrik Stensonwill make his first appearance on European soil this season when he tees off in the first round of the Nordea Masters alongside defending championThongchai Jaideeand last week’s winnerSoren Kjeldsenat 0800 from the tenth tee on Thursday.
Kjeldsen ended a six-year title drought at the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open hosted by the Rory Foundation at Royal County Down last week, and the Dane will hope to continue that form on the links-style course at PGA Sweden National.
Two-time former championMikko Ilonenof Finland begins his quest for a hat-trick of titles at 0750 from the tenth, in the company of recent Open de España winnerJames Morrisonand Thai starKiradech Aphibarnrat.
The trio of SwedeAlex Noren, SpaniardMiguel Angel Jiménezand Denmark’sThomas Bjørn– teeing off from the first at 1300 – is certain to draw the crowds, while another popular Swede, Robert Karlsson, is off at 0810 alongside young DaneThorbjørn Olesenand flamboyant FrenchmanAlex Levy.
Victor Dubuissonand Stephen Gallacher– both team-mates of Stenson and Bjørn in last year’s Ryder Cup – are off at 1310 and 1250 respectively, both from the first. Dubuisson is with America-based SwedeJonas Blixt and EnglishmanDavid Howell, while Gallacher has SpaniardRafa Cabrera-Bello and DutchmanJoost Luitenfor company.
Those wanting to watch long hitting should pay attention to the group containing renowned bombersNicolas ColsaertsandAlvaro Quiros, who are off the first at 1330 alongsideAlejandro Cañizares.
