The desert finale at the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai proved to be the best for Swedish golfer Henrik Stenson who clinched the championship and simultaneously topped the money list for European golfers in 2013 through a spectacular final round 64. The Swede has been on a roll and he continued to maintain his victory streak. He was also the winner at the FedEx Cup in end-of-season of the US PGA tour. Stenson pocketed the first prize of $1.33 million and also got an extra $1 million from the bonus prizing pool of the tournament. The most remarkable aspect of this victory is the fact that Stenson was not even in the top 100 player list of the world, a mere twelve months ago. Presently, he holds the third position in world golfing rankings.
Stenson described his experience of winning the finals in attendance of friends and family members as a ‘dream finish’. He also accredited the members of his team for their constant support in helping him to develop and improve his signature style. He expressed gratitude to his coach, caddy, psychologist, and the physio. The world number three commenced his day at 17-under, and only four shots leading to Ian Poulter, who was his sole realistic challenger to claim the Dubai title. Victor Dubuisson from France also put up some competition as he teed off at 16-under. The Dubai championship previously went by the name of the European Order of Merit.
Interestingly, earlier during the season Englishman Poulter had a bet of $100 with Stenson that he would overtake the Swede at the money list. However, fate was not in favor of the Englishman as there suddenly was a sandstorm and wind swirls after three days of clear skies. Stenson was very particular in taking his $100 wager from Poulter, and he joked that the British was his servant now, after losing the bet. He also emphasized that the $100 was a big incentive for him to work hard and commended his competitor to keep up the pressure for him to perform better than before.
Stenson’s achievement further glorifies by the fact that he had been nursing a wrist injury all across the tournament. After clearing the first round in two off the lead shots, the player still managed to stay ahead in the money list. He fortified his victory about halfway in the game and never did show much signs of stress. Poulter appreciated Stenson’s dedication in a hat-raising gesture. He commended how well did Stenson managed to read the wind curves and use them to his favour. He praised his competitor as being the best on the planet at the moment.
At the last day of the tournament in Dubai, Stenson effectively alleviated any fears of faltering with the birdies at four of the seven opening holes. The 12th one was most spectacular, as he traced an exquisite 190 yard curve with the ball landing only a few feet from the pin. He described this shot as his best one in the year.