Golf

Henrik Stenson keen to persevere despite knee injury

British Open champion determined to battle on with Ryder Cup looming at end of month

Henrik Stenson of Sweden looks on with caddie Gareth Lord during a pro-am round ahead of the AAM Scottish Open at Castle Stuart Golf Links. Photo: Andrew Redington/Getty Images
Henrik Stenson of Sweden looks on with caddie Gareth Lord during a pro-am round ahead of the AAM Scottish Open at Castle Stuart Golf Links. Photo: Andrew Redington/Getty Images
Fri Sept 02 2016 - 01:00

British Open champion Henrik Stenson hopes he will not need another operation as he prepares to play through the pain barrier in the FedEx Cup play-offs and Ryder Cup.

Stenson withdrew from The Barclays last week after an opening round of 74 at Bethpage Black following the recurrence of a right knee injury.

The 40-year-old Swede underwent an MRI scan to assess the extent of the damage and revealed he has suffered a tear to the meniscus, but will compete in this week’s Deutsche Bank Championship in Boston.

Symptoms

“I had the MRI report on Monday and it’s the same one I had operated in December last year,” Stenson said. “I have a small re-tear in the back side of the meniscus, a different place from previous, but that’s what’s causing the symptoms I guess.

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“At this point I’m hoping not to have to do another surgery, I’ve just got to try and see how it progresses and how much grief it gives me.”

Stenson is currently 21st in the FedEx Cup standings but could fall as far as 46th if he misses cut in Boston.

The top 70 advance to the BMW Championship, but only the top 30 after that event qualify for the Tour Championship in Atlanta a fortnight later.

“It might not be that much golf the rest of the month, depending on how I do this week,” said Stenson.

“Otherwise I have some time off before the Ryder Cup and after that as well. We’ll see how we get along. It’s been a long summer, lots of golf.”

European Ryder Cup captain Darren Clarke insisted on Tuesday he was not concerned by Stenson’s situation, adding: “I’ve spoken to Henrik two or three times. He is fine. It [his withdrawal] was purely precautionary. He’s okay.

“I think he has a slight issue but it’s not going to stop him playing. He will be fine.”

Stenson was second in the Deutsche Bank Championship last year and won it in 2013 on his way to the overall FedEx Cup title and a USD11.4million payday.

Birdie chances

“It’s a course that gives you a lot of good birdie chances if you’re on with your irons and I’ve certainly been that those two years,” added the world number four, who led by one with three to play 12 months ago but found water with his tee shot on the 16th. “It would be nice to ride on some of those old memories and bring some of that good form back.”

Rickie Fowler took advantage of Stenson’s late stumble last year and returns to defend his title after failing to convert the 54-hole lead in New York last week, which cost him an automatic Ryder Cup place.

Fowler is likely to receive a wild card from US captain Davis Love after the BMW Championship, with the likes of Bubba Watson, Matt Kuchar and Jim Furyk all looking to enhance their case at TPC Boston.