May 31, 2017: The Open Champion Henrik Stenson is back at the course he grew up on this week, and is ready to lead the Scandinavian charge at the Nordea Masters.
Stenson is making his first appearance on home soil since securing his maiden Major title at Royal Troon last summer. He is joined at Barsebäck Golf & Country Club by his compatriot and man of the moment Alex Noren, who last weekend lifted the trophy at the BMW PGA Championship – the first event in the European Tour’s new Rolex Series – with Stenson finishing in tied third position.
“It feels good to be back in Sweden and Barsebäck again. I had a short visit in Stockholm this winter but other than that it’s been a year since last time. It’s extra fun to play on the golf course that I grew up on and I’m looking forward to the week.
“Last week in Wentworth felt OK. I had a lot of ups and downs and I had a couple of good moments. Alex (Noren) has been playing amazing lately with five wins on the European tour and it is fun that he’s starting to establish his name.
“Thanks to all the golf that I’ve played here I know where to place the ball and where not to be and how to adjust myself to the greens and fairways and so on.
“Of course it would be great to win and put that on my resume but on the other hand this is one of the most difficult weeks because of all the commitments that comes from being back home.
“I love the commitments I have with handi-golf and the juniors and seeing them develop and grow up is amazing. And to use my position to help and give back is something that I really enjoy”, said Henrik Stenson.
The Nordea Masters has returned to Barsebäck, just outside Malmo, for the tenth occasion and the first time since 2009. The tournament has once again attracted a strong Danish contingent, which this year includes four-time European Tour winner ThorbjØrn Olesen and European Ryder Cup Captain Thomas BjØrn.
Olesen is another player who knows the course well, having competed in his first European Tour event here back in 2009.
Also in the field this week are defending champion Matthew Fitzpatrick, and fellow Englishmen and Ryder Cup team mates Lee Westwood and Chris Wood.
European Tour Release
