Client News
Stenson aiming to be dressed to thrill
Jeju, Korea, 21 April 2009 - Henrik Stenson hopes Korean fans will know him for his great golf rather than his striptease act by the end of this week’s Ballantine’s Championship.
The colourful Swede made headlines last month when he disrobed down to his underpants to play a shot out of a muddy hollow at a tournament in the United States.
Photographs of the world No.9 wearing just a pair of white briefs and a golf glove were splashed around the world.
But spectators wishing to see a repeat at the Ballantine’s Championship, which tees off on Thursday at Pinx Golf Club on the island of Jeju, are likely to be disappointed.
“It’s my first time to Korea and I’ve heard that the fans are excited to have everybody here for the tournament,” said Stenson.
“I would like just to have them get to know me a little bit better. Hopefully I can show off some good golf and win over a few fans here with my clothes on!”
The Ryder Cup star is one of the leading contenders at the €2.1 million Ballantine’s Championship – once again co-sanctioned by the European and Asian Tours and Korea PGA.
The stellar field includes three-time Major winner Ernie Els and former Masters champion Fred Couples.
Defending champion Graeme McDowell and Lee Westwood – an 18-time winner on the European Tour – are also in the line-up.
Stenson has already gone a long way – quite literally – to win over the spectators.
His arduous journey from the US was made even longer by bad weather in Jeju that saw his domestic flight from Seoul delayed.
“It took a good 60 hours to get here from Orlando,” he revealed. “I left early Saturday morning and got into Jeju lunchtime on Tuesday, so it’s almost like rust picking up a golf club!
“I’m still waking up in the middle of the night and so forth, but I’ll be alright. I’m aiming to have a good day tomorrow and I should be up and ready for Thursday.”
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Released on behalf of the Ballantine’s Championship by Two Up Front - Asia’s sports PR specialists.