Henrik Stenson has such fondness for the United Arab Emirates he once called it home. Now the Open champion has set his sights on closing out what would be a unique European Tour haul.
No player has claimed what could be classed as the desert slam; victory in the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, Dubai Desert Classic, Qatar Masters and DP World Tour Championship. Stenson has three of that group to his name and the Swede’s first-round lead in Abu Dhabi on Thursday offered proof he has the form to complete the quartet on Sunday.
Two aspects of Stenson’s 64 were ominous for the remainder of this field. First, the 40-year-old arrived in the UAE having undertaken little buildup work because of festive family commitments. More striking still was that Stenson’s eight under par appeared wonderfully effortless; he did not drop a shot and also played the back nine – his opening half – in 30 strokes. Stenson’s total of 27 putts showed he had a bit to spare.
“It must be the lack of practice that does it,” the 40-year-old said. “Lack of sleep, lack of practice. I’m delighted with that score. I think I scored a bit better than how I played but I kept it under control somewhat, hit a couple of close iron shots and made the putts. There wasn’t too much stress out there.
“I didn’t come in here expecting too much given the light startup I had but, with this start, of course I hope I can keep it going throughout the week.”
Relaxation aside, Stenson’s off-season included resetting targets. “I just want to keep on developing my game,” he said. “I will keep on working hard on that, come into the majors well prepared and well rested and try to put myself in contention. I feel like I can get the Claret Jug some company if I do that. I’m going to try my hardest.”
Among those in close pursuit is Martin Kaymer, a three‑times champion here, who adopted an alternative winter approach. The German signed for a 66. “After my 2014 season when I won my second major, you kind of take it a little bit easier,” Kaymer said. “Then you see it the next year on the golf course, where I had a lot of top-10 finishes but that little bit of extra that you need in order to win was missing. Therefore, this time I went back to America and practised.”
Lee Westwood’s afternoon 68 was notable for the appearance of his partner, Helen Storey, on the bag. His usual caddie, Billy Foster, remained at home after the death of his father. “I wouldn’t want to carry the bag around for six miles in this kind of heat so every credit for doing it,” Westwood said. “Sometimes it is good to work out your own yardages and read your own putts. You take more responsibility for your game.”
Stephen Gallacher’s 500th start on the European Tour was marked by a 71. He endured an injury-plagued 2016 but his longevity is worthy of immense credit. Gallacher was presented with a video montage of his career by the Tour before the tournament began.
“I’ve had some great highs and a few lows but I wouldn’t change it for the world,” the 42-year-old said. “I’ve been out here for 21 years now. The only thing is, I feel like I’m retired. I’m looking at all the stuff I’ve done but there’s a wee bit of life left in the old dog. But it’s been great recognition; if this was easy to do, a lot of people would have done it but there’s not many people have.”
Comments (…)
Sign in or create your Guardian account to join the discussion