Henrik Stenson will this week make his first European outing of the season in the Nordea Masters, a tournament which has thus far eluded the Swede’s grasp.
Stenson has two runner-up finishes to his name, firstly in 2004 behind Luke Donald and then again in 2005 when, much to his and the home crowd’s disappointment, he lost a play-off to Australian Mark Hensby.
With his young family now settled in Florida, Stenson’s Swedish forays are growing increasingly rare; but having been reinvigorated by the sights, sounds, smells and indeed tastes of his homeland, the 40 year old is hoping to strike it lucky in his 14th appearance in the Nordea Masters.
He said: “I started my season the Middle East as always then have spent a bit of time playing in the States, but it’s always good to come home. I get to spend so little time in Sweden these days that I appreciate the time I do spend here even more.
“I miss the food I used to eat as a kid, so it was great to dive into the breakfast buffet at the hotel this morning. With the schedule the way it is, I’ll only get to spend another three weeks in Sweden this year, so I want to make the most of it and enjoy myself. And the best way of enjoying it would be to win this week.”
Given his form so far this term, a tenth Tour title would appear to be just round the corner.
Stenson started the season with a runner-up finish in the Nedbank Golf Challenge, following up with two more top six finishes in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
His form subsequently tailed off somewhat in the Spring, but with a hectic schedule coming up – Stenson will not take a two-week break from duty until after the Ryder Cup in September – now would be a prime time to return to winning ways.
He said: “My season so far has been pretty good.
I’ve had a second, two thirds and a sixth place from the nine tournaments I’ve played so far, so that’s a pretty decent record but it could obviously be better.
Henrik Stenson
“I haven’t played much since Augusta because I’ve been trying to pace myself, so at least I’m well rested heading into a busy period. I don’t have much of a break before the Ryder Cup, so it’s a pretty packed schedule and hopefully I can play well on my weeks on, then rest well on my weeks off.”
During his weeks off, Stenson is often involved in charitable work with his Foundation, to which he donates a portion of his winnings each year.
Through his Foundation Stenson became an ambassador for the Swedish Golf Federation’s Handigolf Tour, which nurtures and supports disabled golfers across the country; and prior to his press conference on Tuesday afternoon, Stenson presented the ‘2015 Handigolfer of the Year’ award to Kristoffer Eklund who, despite suffering from partial paralysis, plays off a four handicap.
Stenson said: “Kristoffer has made some great progress, so it is nice to present him with the award because he really deserves it. It’s amazing what these guys can achieve, and it makes me very proud to be involved. Kristoffer’s short game is so good, he could probably give me some tips!”
