Stenson plays in borrowed clothes after burglary
Henrik Stenson’s rental house was burgled while he was on the course, leaving the defending champion furious and the R&A relieved he had already returned the Claret Jug.
Stenson, 41, had to borrow a top off his caddie, Gareth Lord, and, with the help of his sponsors, cobbled together the rest of his outfit, because his clothes for the second round were among the many items taken during his first-round 69.
Stenson said he was determined “not to let this spoil this week in any way”, but he was understandably rattled.
His coach, the Englishman Pete Cowen, said: “Henrik was seething at first – the thing that annoyed him most was that watches and other jewellery belonging to his wife, Emma, was taken, and they’ve got a lot of sentimental value.
“He felt like it was a shocking invasion into his domestic life. The thieves smashed a couple of patio doors and took everything they could get their hands on. All he had left when he got home was the stuff he was stood up in.
“You’ve got to think the thieves have followed him home from the course, seen his tee time, and waited for him to tee off knowing they had four or five hours when there was no one about. He had to cobble together gear – one of Lordy’s tops and some one-length trousers that he had to turn up about eight inches.”
Merserseyside police have launched an investigation and pleaded for witnesses to come forward, while house-to-house and forensic inquiries are to be carried out. Cash, cards, electrical items, clothes and watches were stolen.
Det Insp Simon Vaughan said: “The Hugo Boss clothing taken is very personal to the victim and can be identified by a distinctive NETJETS sponsorship logo, so if anyone is offered such clothing, please contact us immediately.”
Before teeing off in his second round Stenson said: “I am extremely grateful that my family were not in the house at the time. As many of you know the Claret Jug was returned to the R&A on Monday but, unfortunately, along with some valuable personal items, they have taken all of my clothing for the week.”