Sweden’s Henrik Stenson rediscovered the touch that took him to No. 4 in the world two years ago when he captured the lead in Thursday’s BMW International Open first round.
Stenson’s eight-under 64, bristling with seven birdies and an eagle despite heavy afternoon rain, took the 2006 Munich winner to a one-stroke lead over the morning leader Gary Boyd.
Life has been tough for Stenson since he eclipsed a stellar field at Sawgrass in 2009 to claim the USPGA Tour Players Championship and from fourth in the world at that time he has plummeted 120 places.
Photo: Reuters
A good showing last week at the US Open gave promising signs for Stenson, although he had not been able to hide his frustration at drifting to tied 23rd place at the Congressional. He snapped an iron after a bad shot in the final round, cutting his finger.
Stenson was still sporting a bandage on the finger when firing his 64, his best score for three years.
“I played well in the US Open and even though I didn’t get the result I wanted, I still felt my game was going in the right direction,” the 35-year-old from Gothenburg told reporters. “It’s always tough for a golfer to go through long periods of time without playing well. It’s been frustrating, but I’m working my way back. I could feel that last week.”
As well as playing with an injured finger, often in torrential rain, Stenson also had to do without his regular caddie Fanny Sunesson, who had to go home to Sweden at short notice.
Boyd, who tied for second in his last event, the Italian Open, set the pace with eight birdies, but soured his day with a closing bogey.
South Africa’s Jbe Kruger, Dutchman Tim Sluiter and Britons Paul Lawrie and Danny Willett shared third place after rounds of 66.
It looked anything but a happy return for world No. 3 Martin Kaymer when the local favorite’s recent indifferent form off the tee again dogged him. After slipping to two-over, though, Kaymer, the 2008 winner of this event, decided on a change of mindset to post a 70.
“The first nine I was thinking too much, I had so many thoughts in my head about my swing,” Kaymer said. “The back nine, I focused on just two things and it worked out so much better.”
Sergio Garcia, playing alongside leader Stenson, carded a 69, while Colin Montgomerie handed in a 70 and was then presented with a pair of lederhosen to celebrate his 48th birthday.
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