Stenson: I can’t compare to Zlatan

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  • July 20, 2016

He may be the first Swedish man to win a major championship, but Henrik Stenson says he still can't compare to countryman Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Stenson claimed his maiden major title at the Open Championship on Sunday, but admits he'll probably need to win a few more before he can eclipse the achievements of footballing legend Ibrahimovic, who recently completed a move to Manchester United.

"I think I said I needed to win 10 majors to get up to his recognition," said Stenson. "Maybe five will do it. We'll see! One at a time."

Stenson's Open victory was clinched with a record-equalling final-round 63 at Troon, but he was so focused and in the zone as he battled Phil Mickelson on the back nine that he didn't even realise he'd birdied four of the last five holes until afterwards.

"I was so zoned in the last five holes I didn't know how many birdies I had made in that round," he said.

"I was so focused on getting the job done, it was not until I had that birdie putt at the last that I could let go and realise I've done the achievement of my career.

"It was just an added bonus for that putt to drop and set a new Open record, but it was all about bringing that Claret Jug home to Sweden and be the first Swedish male to win a major championship.

"It's huge and it's going to get better and better with time I'm sure."

Stenson has had to deal with an overwhelming amount of press since his victory on Sunday, but has little time to recover before the year's final major, the US PGA Championship at Baltusrol, starts on July 28.

"This is huge back home and it has been quite chaotic with all the media, but it's all good and I'm just going to try to recharge," he said.

After Baltusrol, Stenson will take part in the Olympics, where golf returns as an event after an 112-year absence.

He will be the highest ranked player in the competition following the withdrawal of Jason Day, Jordan Spieth, Rory McIlroy and Dustin Johnson.

"I'm a huge sporting fan in general and to see an Olympic Games from the inside and participate is going to be huge," he told BBC Radio 5 live.

"If I can do myself and my country proud by bringing home a medal, that would be awesome. I've got a Claret Jug now and any Olympic medal would be quite nice to put next to it in the trophy cabinet."

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