The Open Champion 2016: Henrik Stenson

Henrik Stenson lifted the Claret Jug on Sunday after becoming The Open champion 2016 – the first Swedish player ever to do so.

(Image credit: The Guardian)

The Swede recorded an impressive 63 shots in the last round on Sunday to be crowned The Open champion 2016, which saw him steal the title from favourite Phil Mickelson by three shots overall. Stenson amassed a four-round aggregate record of 264 (68, 65, 68 and 63), while the American had an overall of 267 (63, 69, 70 and 65).

“It was a great match. I knew he wasn’t going to back down at any point and that made it easier. I knew I had to keep on pushing,” commented Stenson after lifting the Claret Jug. “It makes it even more special to beat a competitor like Phil. He has been one of the best to play the game in the last 20 years, so to come out on top after such a fight with him over these four days is amazing.”

“I felt like it was my time. You can’t guarantee it by any means and I had to play some great golf to get there but I believed in myself and did a great job out there,” said the 40-year-old. “It’s not something that you run around and shout about but I felt this was my turn. I knew I was going to have to battle back if it wasn’t but I think the extra self-belief made me go all the way this week.”

(Image credit: The Guardian)

The Open has been contested by many Swedish golfers over the years, however none have been able to claim the coveted Claret Jug. This victory makes Stenson the first Swedish player to ever lift The Open trophy – an achievement that will undoubtedly see his name go down in the history books.

“So many great Swedish players have tried and there have been so many close calls. This is going to be massive for golf in Sweden,” highlighted The Open champion 2016.

After lifting the Claret Jug, Stenson has now become world’s No. 5, while Mickelson is ranked at No. 13. Jason Day (No.1), Dustin Johnson (No.2), Jordan Spieth (No.3) and Rory McIlroy (No.4) are above the Swede on the rankings, for now. Unlike some of the other big-name players in the game, Stenson will represent his country at the Olympics in Rio in August.

“We’re only just getting started, aren’t we? You never know once you open the floodgates what might happen. It’s going to be a while to have all of this sink in. We have a big schedule to get through this summer, with the US PGA Championship and the Olympics to come,” remarked The Open Champion 2016.

Australian Jason Day is the defending champion of the US PGA Championship, while Rory McIlroy clinched the titles in 2012 and 2014, which is why they’re both the favourites 9.00 (8/1) to win it this year, per online sportsbook Bet365. Dustin Johnson is second 10.00 (9/1) in the running, Jordan Spieth is third favourite 11.00 (10/1), while Henrik Stenson 17.00 (16/1) and Phil Mickelson 21.00 (20/1) are deemed outsiders for the championship.

(Check out Bet365 Sports Review for more info about the online sportsbook.)