Stenson Takes The Fire All The Way To Red Hot Matsuyama

by Suzanne Kemper, Nassau, Bahamas

World No 4 Sweden’s Henrik Stenson almost caught Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama on the home stretch at Albany Golf Club, Nassau at 2016 Hero World Challenge.

Matsuyama, who had won three of his past four events ahead of this week, claimed a fourth in five weeks shooting an 18-under par tally.

Matsuyama teed off with a seven stroke leader at 19 while Stenson was -12.

And it was the 2016 Open Champion who insisted the Japan No. 1 was not going to have it all his own way.

“It shouldn’t have been as close as it was, I was miles away after the first five holes, like in a vacuum. Then, I started to pick up some shots, nice eagle on 9, but three putted the 10th,” said Stenson.

“We had a double swing on 14 and I made birdie. Now I felt I could pressure him and maybe, but then 15 I messed-up.  On 16 I hit probably as great a 4-iron as I did at Troon setting up a classy birdie”, and “had a brief hope when he flew the 18th green setting up a tough chip.”

20161130_1409531

Matsuyama mastered it to perfection closing out his fourth win in five weeks. Stenson felt “no regrets, I’ve had a fun week.” He had finished runner-up to Matsuyama the other week in China at the WGC – HSBC Champions and where the Japan golfer kick-started his run of victories.

Stenson, 40 years old, has had a stellar year winning at Royal Troon, and a first Major by a male-born Swede. Then he had another amazing tussle weeks later at the Olympics, just losing out on the Gold, to Justin Rose.

In November, Stenson won his second Race to Dubai on the European Tour.

“I’ve learned that I can play some really good golf this year, it’s been my best ever on Tour,” smiled Stenson.  “My knee has been holding up fine, a bit of a wobble, then I re-hurt it at the US Open. It flared up at the beginning of Fedex, so I took time off; Ryder Cup was my worry, but I played five rounds fine.”

“Great year, now I’m off home to the family, have Christmas, then to schuss and hope the knee stays good.”



Comments are closed.