Deadly accurate driving but Stenson betrayed by putter

Joy Chakravarty 17:45 02/02/2015
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  • Green envy: Henrik Stenson hit 17 greens on three days and 16 in Saturday’s third round.

    Given that he hit a staggering 67 greens in regulation out of 72 over the four days, a score of 13-under par 275 was perhaps the worst World No2 Henrik Stenson could have shot at the Dubai Desert Classic.

    – #360view: Why McIlroy’s victory was finest of his international triumphs

    The Swede hit 17 greens on three days and 16 in Saturday’s third round. He closed with a 69, to go with two 70s and his best round of the week was a six-under par 66 on Friday, when he could not make a single birdie on the front nine of the course – which was his back nine having started from the 10th.

    “I really did not putt well. On most days, you’d expect to finish your round in 28 putts and my best was 29 during the second round,” said Stenson, who finished tied 13th.

    “However, I am happy with the way I played. This Middle East swing is great for my preparation towards the whole year and I feel I have progressed with every round, starting with my forgettable opening round in Abu Dhabi.

    “I am very happy with where my game is right now. I have got the whole of February off and I am going to use that for a lot of gym work and practice. I am having another session with Pete (Cowen, his coach) so that I know exactly what I have to work on during the next month.

    “I am sure I can get a grip on my putting. I just need to keep working on it. But things are looking good for the rest of the year.”

    Stenson’s next tournament is the WGC-Cadillac Championship, to be played March 5-8 at Doral.

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