Stenson fires 64 to take 2-stroke lead in Abu Dhabi
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HENRIK Stenson had just chipped in from 30 yards for a fourth birdie in his first five holes of 2017 when he turned to his caddie and delivered another example of his renowned dry humor.
“Must be all that short-game practice I didn’t do,” the No. 2-ranked Swede said, deadpan as ever.
The British Open champion spent more time on the ski slopes in Utah than hitting golf balls during his short offseason, not that it showed at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship yesterday.
With eight birdies in a bogey-free and trouble-free opening round, Stenson shot an 8-under 64 to take a two-stroke lead in his first tournament of the year. Three-time Abu Dhabi champion Martin Kaymer was tied for second after a 66 on a course he thrives on, along with Oliver Fisher, Kiradech Aphibarnrat and Marc Warren after a calm and warm day in the United Arab Emirates.
Stenson will do well to top 2016 — he lifted the claret jug to end his quest for a first major title and finished the season as Europe’s No. 1.
Playing in an early-morning group with two more current major champions in Dustin Johnson and Danny Willett, Stenson birdied his first hole — No. 10 — and completed his hot early streak with a chip-in at No. 14 after leaving his approach five yards short of the green.
Johnson, the US Open champion and — at No. 3 — the highest-ranked player in a strong field after Rory McIlroy’s withdrawal on Monday, shot 72 in his first appearance in Abu Dhabi. Defending champion and fellow American Rickie Fowler also was at even par.
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