STENSON REVVED UP
HENRIK STENSON reluctantly returned the Claret Jug yesterday.
Now the Swede hopes his ropey recent form picks up so he can go back to the future and win consecutive Opens.
Stenson rolled up at Royal Birkdale in style in the back of a talking Mercedes supercar – a futuristic set of wheels that looks more like a spaceship than a concept motor.
As the electric vehicle purred the 41-year-old towards a meeting with Martin Slumbers, secretary of golf’s governing body, the R&A, he reflected on his year as Open champion before handing back his prized possession.
He said: “I feel like I’m returning my baby. It’s been part of the family and it feels a little sad to have to return it.
“It’s difficult to give it back to the R&A but at the same time there is a feeling now that I can turn the page. It’s time to look ahead and try to win it again.”
The Mercedes wowed crowds at Royal Birkdale as Stenson rolled down towards the first tee and the hand-back ceremony.
The prototype car was designed by head of research and development Thomas Jager.
Stenson added: “This year has passed so quickly but this is a fun ride for the end.”
He starts the defence of his crown alongside Jordan Spieth and Si Woo Kim on Thursday.