Henrik Stenson’s hunt for a third DP World Tour Championship title is well and truly on after the super Swede carded an outstanding six under par (66) to sit one behind the leaders (at the time of writing) on the second day of the season-ending tournament at Jumeirah Golf Estates.
The 43 year old started the second round five shots adrift of leaders Adrian Otaegui and Jordan Smith but made the turn at three under par to close the gap before picking up a further three shots coming in to sign for a magical 66 and continue his love affair with the iconic Earth course.
“I wouldn’t say I feel at ease with the Earth course especially on the 18th which is such a treacherous hole,” said Stenson when questioned on why he makes it looks so easy at Jumeirah Golf Estates. “I hit two really good five woods off the tee and to the green and left a tricky up and down but managed to get it for the birdie.”
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The 2016 Open Championship winner famously won the European Tour Shot of the Year at the 2013 DP World Tour Championship after his majestic three wood to the 18th green on the final day saw him tap-in for eagle and seal commanding victories in both the Race to Dubai and the season-ending tournament itself. There were glimpses of his brilliance once again today and Stenson believes it’s a course that brings out the best in his game despite his recent injury problems.
“What suits me around here is the iron play,” added Stenson. “There’s a lot of shots that require a mid to short iron and irons into the greens and if I’m on it like I was today then I’m going to have plenty of birdie chances. I came into the tournament with low expectations due to my injury problems and struggled yesterday but today I played really well and my putting was excellent and got the striking going. I still wouldn’t say where I want to be but if I can play like that and make the most of my chances, I’ll be in contention come Sunday.”
