Henrik Stenson aims to end barren run in Abu Dhabi

This content was originally posted in 7DAYS UAE website at: Henrik Stenson aims to end barren run in Abu Dhabi It is the fine margins in golf that make it an equally enthralling and frustrating game. A bad bounce from a perfect drive or a unfortunate roll on the green can make the difference between success and failure. Last season Henrik Stenson must have felt as though those fine margins were against him. On six occasions he finished in second place as he ended the season without a trophy. It broke a run of three years in which he had won at least one tournament. Yet despite his barren 12 months, Stenson refuses to be glum when reflecting on his season. “Overall I have to be happy with how I played, even if I was a little frustrated not to pick up some silverware,” Stenson told 7DAYS. “I finished second on six occasions in 2015, which shows just how many times I was in contention going in to the back nine on Sunday, so I must have been doing something right. “Last year I think I just came up against some exceptional golf from some exceptional players like [Jordan] Spieth and [Rickie] Fowler and hopefully this year I can come out on top.” Stenson’s 2016 season started with another second place finish at the NedBank Challenge. But once again there were plenty of positives for the Swede. “NedBank was quite a funny one because not only was I feeling terrible at the beginning of the week but I wasn’t actually hitting it very well tee to green either, which is usually the strongest part of my game,” explained the 39-year-old. “My chipping and putting kept me in the tournament though which gave me a lot of confidence knowing I can compete when I’m not 100% fit and 100% on form.” Now Stenson returns to a region he knows well. The world No. 5 lived in Dubai for several years and is a regular visitor to the UAE. While there has been plenty of success in Dubai, Stenson has yet to triumph at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship. Something he is keen to address come January 24. “I love playing in the desert and have fond memories here in Abu Dhabi so I am looking forward to it,” said Stenson. “This will be the 11th time I’ve started my year at the National Course and I love seeing how it has grown. “The championship is one of the biggest we play on the European Tour throughout the year and the Falcon trophy is one that everyone wants to get their hands on. “I’m coming off the back of what I would consider a successful season so if I were able to pick up the win here, it could definitely act as a springboard to more success in 2016.” So does Stenson feel he can finally add a major to his trophy haul? “I feel it is only a matter of time,” he said. “If I keep doing what I am doing I think I’ll be lucky enough to get my hands on a major championship.” Read the original story at: Henrik Stenson aims to end barren run in Abu Dhabi