The Open 2017: It's hoping for a lot for me to defend '“ Stenson

Defending Open champion Henrik Stenson believes his chances of regaining possession of the Claret Jug are on the up, but only by five per cent.
Sweden's Henrik Stenson during a press conference on practice day three of the Open at Royal Birkdale (Picture: Richard Sellers/PA Wire).Sweden's Henrik Stenson during a press conference on practice day three of the Open at Royal Birkdale (Picture: Richard Sellers/PA Wire).
Sweden's Henrik Stenson during a press conference on practice day three of the Open at Royal Birkdale (Picture: Richard Sellers/PA Wire).

Swede Stenson cut a downbeat figure despite firing a final round of 68 in the Scottish Open on Sunday, the 41-year-old carding six birdies in the space of nine holes at Dundonald Links before dropping shots on the 15th and 18th.

The 41-year-old said it was “hoping for a lot” for him to emulate Padraig Harrington in winning back-to-back Open titles at Royal Birkdale, but his attitude had improved slightly by the time of his pre-championship press conference.

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“The spirits might be another five per cent up compared to Sunday,” said Stenson, who won in record-breaking fashion at Royal Troon 12 months ago after a thrilling final-day duel with America’s Phil Mickelson.

“It could have been a good finish at the Scottish Open. I lipped out for eagle on 14 to go to seven under for the round and then finished four under. I guess it was a bit of frustration on that (which came out) in one of the interviews after the round there.

“But at the same time I don’t feel like I’ve had the consistency I want to have, and to be honest I didn’t think I had that last year if I compare it to 2013 for instance.

“Even though it was the best year of my career last year, I felt it was well timed, as well. I played my best at a few events that really mattered. I’m kind of working on that, trying to get that consistency back.

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“Whether it’s going to be good enough this week or not, I can’t tell you, but I couldn’t tell you how I was going to win before the week last year either. In golf, I guess you’re only a couple of good shots and picking up some nice solid feelings away from having a really good week.

“I worked hard my whole career to be able to win that championship last year and I can’t really put the pressure on myself that I’m going to win it again. It took a lot of chances to win that one, so I’m just going to go out there and do my best.”