Munich. Defending champion Henrik Stenson reflects on his
victory in the 2016 BMW International Open and looks forward to the
challenges ahead.
You won this event in Cologne in 2016. Is it nice to be back
at the BMW International Open? What are your thoughts about this
golf course?
Henrik Stenson: “My win in Cologne last year really gave my
confidence a boost – and we all know what happened a couple of weeks
later. It was really key to the success I had at Troon and in winning
The Open Championship. It feels great to be back and thinking how
important this win was last year for me. This golf course here hasn’t
changed a whole lot over the years, even though there have been some
updates. It’s a low-scoring course, so hopefully we’ll bring the
birdie train with us this week.”
Did you bring driver or is 3-wood enough?
Stenson: “No, we always carry a driver. There are certainly a
few driving holes around here and if you want to make enough birdies
to get to 20-under, there are certainly a few holes where you’ve got
to be aggressive and try to get as much length as possible.”
What are the signature holes for you? Which holes can be
decisive for the tournament?
Stenson: “You’ve got to play well at the par fives. Both the 6th
and 11th have got water in front of the green. These can be easy
birdie chances if you hit two good shots, but you could really
struggle for par or worse if you don’t hit the greens. The 18th is
another birdie or eagle chance, but the tee shot is crucial. You have
to navigate the pond and still take a tight line off the tee to give
yourself a shorter second shot.”
Last night you had a very special sightseeing tour in a
Rolls-Royce. How did it feel driving through Munich in that car?
Stenson: “Certainly a few heads turned. Rolls-Royce is not the
most common car on the streets anywhere in the world. It’s a smooth
ride. Munich is a beautiful city in the summer. The temperatures are
nice and there a lot of restaurants. We enjoy our week here and it’s
always good to be back.”
Were you the only player who brought his own club for the
chipping competition against Sergio Garcia and Martin Kaymer at BMW Welt?
Stenson: “No. But I was the only one smart enough to bring a lob-wedge.”