Stenson Happy To Be Back Ahead of Abu Dhabi Return

Stenson Happy To Be Back Ahead of Abu Dhabi Return

By: Francis Joseph

Henrik Stenson is feeling quietly confident about his return to action this week as the Swede makes his first appearance of the 2019 European Tour season at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, which for the first time kicks off the new year as the maiden Rolex Series event of the Race to Dubai.

The 2016 Open champion has made just three starts since playing his part in a European victory at the Ryder Cup last September, having undergone surgery on his elbow in October.

"The elbow's pretty good. I wouldn't say it's 100 percent but we're getting closer and closer and I can be back at most of the things in the gym. Playing golf feels pretty good, so I'm happy with the progress on that," said Stenson.

Stenson is feeling close to full fitness and - having claimed a couple of runner-up finishes and four further top tens in his 13 appearances in Abu Dhabi - the 42-year-old is confident of a strong performance in his first outing of the year.

"It always feels good to come back to this part of the world, having made it my home for quite a few years in the past and yeah, this is the way I've started up my season every year I think for, which edition is this, the 14th," said the Swede.

"It's kind of the same old, but it's great to be back. The golf courses are good, it’s a great course this week. There's great weather, great practise facilities, I've got part of my team here, good food, good hotels. It's a good way to kick off the season for sure he added.

Additional report from Sport24 was used