(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) googletag.defineSlot('/1251894/SportsInArticle300x250', [300, 250],'div-gpt-ad-1479040650788-3').addService(googletag.pubads()); googletag.pubads().enableSyncRendering(); googletag.enableServices();googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1479040650788-3'); World No. 4 Henrik Stenson finally added a Major to his kitty in 2016 and now he is hungry for more. The Swede won the 2016 Rio Summer Olympics silver. Had he won gold, Stenson would have bagged a win in all six continents on which golf is played, a feat the eventual gold medalist Justin Rose achieved. Come 2017, he is dearly eyeing the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship.
Excerpts from the interview
After a quiet 2014 and 2015, you have blazed last year. How easy or difficult was it for you to stay in a competitive frame of mind?
Stenson: No problem at all - it was always going to be a huge year with the Olympics and the Ryder Cup along with the Majors and all the other big tournaments. I felt a bit drained at the PGA Championship after The Open but I managed to regroup and play well at the Olympics. I took one week off during the final series run and went home for a quick recharge which was a good decision as otherwise it would have been a long stretch on the road.
Are you scared looking at the next year as to how you are going to better 2016 achievements as expectations will be high starting with Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship?
Definitely not scared, I feel full of confidence and I am looking forward to 2017 very much. Obviously I had an amazing 2016 but rather than feeling the expectations, in many ways, the pressure is now off as I finally won my first Major. Before there was the question of when or if I would finally win a Major and now I have answered that, I can enjoy the challenges and set goals for 2017 and aim to add another Major or two to my CV. I really like starting my year in Abu Dhabi. The tournament has a great atmosphere as everyone is refreshed after the Christmas break and it has that first week of term feeling. Of course the great weather makes it easy to practice and the course is always in immaculate condition.
How do you see golf remaining a part of the Olympics, says beyond 2020?
Yes I do. I was a huge supporter of golf returning to the Olympics in Rio and was delighted to qualify and then to win the silver medal was amazing. There were difficulties in the build-up with some withdrawals but as soon as everyone arrived, from players to spectators to media, it was an unqualified success. I believe the global TV viewing figures as well as the spectator figures were also considered a great success.
How do you rate the growth of sport in the UAE?
Golf is definitely growing in popularity and participation figures seem to be increasing at an encouraging rate. Having world class events like the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship is a great way to inspire people to take part as well as having the perfect weather conditions and wonderful facilities available.
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