Following a record year of career highs, and back-to-back DP World Tour Championships, the new world No 2 Henrik Stenson wants the Falcon Trophy in his hands on 10th anniversary showing in Abu Dhabi. Courtesy photo
Following a record year of career highs, and back-to-back DP World Tour Championships, the new world No 2 Henrik Stenson wants the Falcon Trophy in his hands on 10th anniversary showing in Abu Dhabi. Show more

Golf

Henrik Stenson determined to complete Desert Swing with win at Abu Dhabi Golf Championship

Our John McAuley sits down with world No 2 Stenson, fresh off his victory at the DP World Tour Championship, as the in-form Swede has set his sights on yet more UAE success.

John McAuley
John McAuley

November 25, 2014

DUBAI // Fresh off his victory at the DP World Tour Championship, Henrik Stenson has set his sights on yet more UAE success.

The in-form Swede triumphed in the European Tour’s season finale by two shots on Sunday, holding off a strong chasing pack at Jumeirah Golf Estates that included world No 1 Rory McIlroy and Justin Rose, the Englishman placed seventh in the rankings.

Stenson, who moved to world No 2 following the win, again underlined his reputation as a Middle East specialist having already collected titles at the Qatar Masters, in 2006, the Dubai Desert Classic, in 2007, and last year’s DP World Tour Championship. Sunday’s successful defence marked the first time in his career that he has retained a tournament trophy.

However, despite his fine record in the region, Stenson has never won the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship. An ever-present since the event’s inception in 2006, he has twice finished runner-up – in 2006 and 2008 – but missed the cut earlier this year after opening rounds of 74 and 72 contributed to a 2-over par total.

Given the glaring omission on his CV, Stenson says he is even more determined to complete his Desert Swing set when the tournament celebrates its 10th anniversary in January. The eight-time winner on the European Tour, who lived in Dubai for almost 10 years before moving to the US in 2012, will begin his trimmed-down 2015 schedule at the National Course.

“I’m starting out with the Middle East swing, Abu Dhabi being a key tournament,” Stenson said. “Having won the other ones in this part of the world, it would be nice to try and contend in Abu Dhabi and give myself a chance to win there. I’ve came close a couple of times.

“That’s kind of where we’re starting the year with those three tournaments down here, and then I’ve got February off to prepare and rest and be at home in Florida. I’m looking forward to hopefully a strong season in 2015.”

The Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship, a $2.7 million (Dh9.91m) event, takes place January 15-18.

jmcauley@thenational.ae

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