Henrik Stenson will lead the European Team out at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club in Rome for the 2023 Ryder Cup after the Swede was announced as Captain last month.
The two-time DP World Tour Championship winner has enjoyed an impressive Ryder Cup career, helping Europe to victory in three of five of his appearances as a player before going on to bring his experience to the role of Vice Captain in the 2020 edition of the biennial contest.
The 45 year old becomes the first Swede to be named European Captain and will be aiming to emulate the memorable European performance in the last home match at Le Golf National in Paris, France in 2018, and reclaim the Ryder Cup following victory for the United States at Whistling Straits, Wisconsin, last September.
“I am absolutely thrilled and delighted to be the European Ryder Cup Captain – it is a huge honour and I was humbled to get the call confirming the news,” said Stenson. “I would like to thank the selection panel for believing in me and will say to them, and every European golf fan, that I will do everything in my power and leave no stone unturned in the quest to get the Ryder Cup back in European hands.
“The Ryder Cup is golf, and sport, at its very best. I got goosebumps every time I pulled on a European shirt as a player and that will be magnified in the role of Captain. While it is great for me personally, it is also great for my country and all the players from Sweden who have played for Europe with such distinction since Joakim Haeggman became the first in 1993.
“When I started out as a professional golfer, it was beyond my wildest dreams that, one day, I would follow in the footsteps of legends of the game such as Seve and be the European Ryder Cup Captain. But today proves that, sometimes, dreams do come true.”
His 12-man European Team will face the United States team which will be led by Zach Johnson, the 2007 Masters Champion and 2015 Open Champion.
Iceman chooses 3-wood over wife
Don’t worry Henrik, we won’t tell you wife…. pic.twitter.com/5rzCWHBVqD
— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) January 14, 2019
Stenson’s renowned dry sense of humour was at its peak ahead of the 2019 Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship. During his Monday news conference before the action got underway at Abu Dhabi Golf Club, Stenson was asked to choose between his wife and his 3-wood. “That’s a very easy question, it would be the 3-wood,” he answered without batting an eye. Stenson followed up his answer with a smirk, adding that his wife was probably asleep in the U.S. so he was “safe for now.”
Shot of the Year
The best shot to ever be played at the DP World Tour Championship? The Iceman hit the European Tour Shot of the Year to the 18th green on the final day of the 2013 season to win both the Race to Dubai and the season-ending tournament itself. His incredible three wood from way back down the fairway came to rest just a couple of feet from the hole, leaving Stenson with a tap-in eagle. The occasion, the execution and the celebration from the fans – it’s what dreams are made of.
Back-to-back DP World Tour Championship wins
Stenson remains the only golfer to successfully defend his title at the DP World Tour Championship after completing a two-stroke triumph at Jumeirah Golf Estates in 2014. The Iceman shot a final round 2-under 70 to hold off the challenges of Ryder Cup teammates Rory McIlroy, Justin Rose and Victor Dubuisson. It was also the first, and only, title Stenson has ever successfully defended.
Holds off Tiger and Els for Dubai Desert Classic triumph
The Swede withstood the combined challenges of Ernie Els and Tiger Woods to win the Dubai Desert Classic after a thrilling final day at the Emirates Golf Club in 2007. A seven-foot birdie putt on the final green completed a final round of 68 for a 19 under par total, earning the then Dubai-based star a one-stroke victory over Els, his playing partner for four days.
