Stenson hopes birdie blitz bodes well for Dubai defence

Thursday, 20 November 2014 00:34 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Reuters: Henrik Stenson hopes his final round birdie blitz in Turkey last weekend bodes well for his defence of Europe’s season-ending $8 million DP World Tour Championship, which starts on Thursday. Last year, the 38-year-old romped to a six-stroke victory at Dubai’s Earth course that also saw him top the European money list, capping a stellar year in which he also won the U.S. PGA Tour’s end-of-season FedExCup.

PGA golfer Henrik Stenson tees off on the 10th hole during the final round of the 2014 PGA Championship golf tournament at Valhalla Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Stenson has yet to win a tournament this year, but if his final round in Belek is anything to go by, he may be finding form at just the right time. Stenson bagged nine birdies, including four in his last six holes, for a closing 64 and third place at the Turkish Airlines Open. “I struggled on the greens the first three days ... (but) it gives the confidence a little boost ,” Stenson told reporters. “I was putting nicely and I would love to bring some of that momentum in here this week.” A member of Europe’s Ryder Cup winning team, he was also runner-up at the Volvo World Match Play Championship in October and third at the U.S. PGA Championship in August. World number one Rory McIlroy is guaranteed top spot on the 2014 European money list after his nearest rivals failed to win in Turkey, but the rest of the top places are up for grabs. The leading 15 players will split a $5 million bonus pool. Stenson is second, narrowly ahead of Wales’ Jamie Donaldson, Germany’s Marcel Siem and Spain’s Sergio Garcia.

Poulter gunning for Stenson again as Dubai climax nears

Reuters: Ian Poulter aims to pip his friend Henrik Stenson for runners-up spot on the 2014 European money list with another strong showing at this week’s $8 million DP World Tour Championship in Dubai. World number one Rory McIlroy has already won the money list after his nearest rivals fell short at last week’s Turkish Airlines Open, but other top places are up for grabs. The leading 15 players will split a $5 million bonus pool. Poulter sits 13th and is as keen as ever to catch Stenson, with the Swede second heading into Dubai. Last year, it was a similar situation, only Stenson was gunning for first place on the money list and Poulter was the main challenger.