Henrik Stenson, the world No 5, was first up in the media centre at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship on Tuesday. He spoke about swapping a major for Olympic gold, professional golf's changing demographic and Jamie Donaldson's recent chainsaw-related injury.
On recovering from last month’s knee surgery
“It feels fine hitting balls, that’s not an issue. Just getting back to walking normal and putting it to the test of walking 18 holes five days in a row is going to be the challenge.
“I did nine holes yesterday in Dubai, and nine holes before I came here. I haven’t played and walked that much. We’ll see how that holds up. Hopefully it will be as good as new.”
On choice of winning a major or Olympic gold
“That’s a simple but difficult question. And one can’t have both? I’ll take both, thank you very much. Next question. No, it’s very hard: Olympics is new for us, we’re not quite sure how it’s going to pan out and how it’s going to feel to play there.
“I’m very excited about it. But I guess if I had to choose, I might take a major championship by a couple of per cent. But if I win the gold medal, I might tell you differently.”
On whether golf’s new guard makes him feel old
“Definitely not. I’m only 39. I’ve got another two months until I turn 40. The body certainly starts to feel it, I guess. In my mind, I’m still probably somewhere mentally between 15 and 18 and I’ll try and stay that way for long.
“But of course, it’s normal. Every sport develops and the young players now are better at an earlier age. I don’t think I have forever to accomplish what I want to do, that’s for sure. It has to happen in the next three or four years, I’m pretty certain of that.”
On a fresh-looking European Ryder Cup team
“We’re going to get one or two new faces on the team, absolutely. We have some talent coming up and hopefully they can keep on becoming better and better players. The guys who have played in the last couple of Ryder Cups are not going to be around forever.
“Of course, we’re here to fill up the team and the Americans are doing a pretty good job of that at the moment. I’m sure it’s going to be a challenge ahead.”
On the dangers of operating heavy machinery
“I do own a chainsaw. I have used it, I could have been on one of those pictures. I might refrain from using it again. I used to chop wood when I was a kid so had a couple of close calls with the axe, as well.
“So yeah, it’s dangerous things. I last used it three years ago. It didn’t start last time I tried, so it’s probably a good thing. Why? You got some trees you want me to…?”
jmcauley@thenational.ae
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