Henrik Stenson had a remarkable season last year as he sealed his maiden Major after shooting a record-breaking 264 at the Open, achieved a silver medal at the Rio Olympics and was crowned the Race to Dubai winner for the third time.
However, the 40-year-old enters the new season feeling a little bit out of touch after the winter break: “I’m feeling somewhat fresh,” said the World No.4 exclusively to Worldwide Golf. “It’s been a busy time over Christmas and I’ve been able to relax a bit but I haven’t done very much golf practice so expectations wouldn’t be through the roof at this point.
“We’ll take it as it comes and work our way into the year as there’s plenty of golf to be played.”
Don’t expect much from the Swede this weekend perhaps in the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship where Stenson finished third last year but that isn’t to say that he won’t be back to his best as the season progresses.
Stenson has set himself a few targets: “I’d like to put myself in contention most Sunday afternoons in the tournaments this season. I really feel motivated to try and do it again and win another Major.”
DJ Hero
It wasn’t just the golf clubs that were swinging in the UAE capital. DJ Reggie taught four of golf’s biggest stars how to spin the decks and put on a show for the fans and media. It was American duo Dustin Johnson and Rickie Fowler together and Ian Poulter and Stenson teaming up. Although the golfers didn’t seem to understand the concept and technique much, they still had a blast on the range.
Stenson’s competitive side came out when he reflected on his Dj’ing debut. “I thought I was going to be better than I was,” added the golfer. “It would have been good to have a bit more knowledge about that mixing board before I got up on stage! Nevermind. I love music and I enjoyed the (house) tunes that we played so I had a good time.”
It appeared that Ryder Cup legend Ian Poulter was Reggie’s favourite man behind the decks as he got the crowd pumping with his fist pumps and dance moves throughout. Fair play Poults.
By Scott Grayston
