Romantic Stenson to skip Doha with Maldives break

Joy Chakravarty 20:25 22/01/2017
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Mail
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • WhatsApp
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Stenson enjoyed a solid week in the UAE capital.

    The reigning Open champion and European No1 finished tied eighth at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship after a three-under par 69 round on Sunday, and will head off to Maldives with wife Emma to celebrate the 10th anniversary of their marriage.

    The 40-year-old world No3, who tied the knot when living in Dubai in 2006, was satisfied with his performance, coming as it is after a long winter break.

    “A little bit of mixed feelings really. I think I played good enough to potentially go all the way this week, but at the same time, I played 18 holes in six weeks and that was the Pro-Am here on Wednesday. You’re going to make one or two little mistakes when you haven’t played much golf, and given that, I’m really happy with the state of my game and managing to be up in contention,” said Stenson.

    “I think my game progressed as the week went on. It’s just that the scores didn’t quite catch up the same way. I was fairly lucky to shoot 64 with the game I had the first day, but I guess it all evens out in the long run.

    “I had a couple of showings here in the previous years that wasn’t too good. So, at least last year I finished third and this year is a top-10. It’s a good start to the year, and like I said, I’m happy with the way I played and given how little I’ve practiced, I’ll take it.”

    It’s now three days of rest and relaxation for the Stensons, and Henrik said he would start practicing for Dubai Desert Classic from Thursday onwards.

    “Emma and I are off for a adults-only vacation to Maldives. And once I am back, I will start preparing for Dubai,” said Stenson, who did not enter the Qatar Masters, even though he loves playing in Doha.

    “This is a special occasion. Emma has known me for 20 years and we are married for 10. Not only has she been with me through good times and bad, she is also the person who has seen me play the most number of golf shots through these years.”

    The Dubai Desert Classic will be played February 2-5 at Emirates Golf Club.

    #Repost @henrikstensoneyewear ・・・ A visit to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi. Beautiful place!

    A video posted by Henrik Stenson (@henrikstenson) on

    Recommended