Stenson withdraws from BMW Masters
Sweden’s Henrik Stenson has withdrawn from this week’s BMW Masters following the birth of his third child.
Stenson’s withdrawal is a bitter blow to the European Tour’s flagship event after world number one Rory McIlroy revealed last week that he too won’t be available to play at Lake Malaren on Thursday.
Stenson won both the USPGA Tour’s Fedex Cup and the European Tour’s Race to Dubai after a stellar season which saw him reach number two on the world rankings.
“No 3 has arrived!!” Stenson posted on his Facebook page coupled with a picture of him holding the baby.
“Alice was born Sunday afternoon! Mommy did great! Lisa and Karl seems to be pretty happy with the new addition.”
The Swede is now expected to travel to Shanghai for next week’s World Golf Championships HSBC Champions tournament at Sheshan Golf Club.
Despite the absence of Stenson and McIlroy, the BMW Masters still boasts a stellar field, led by world number six Justin Rose along with several other members of the victorious European Ryder Cup team. Rose is odds-on favourite to win at the 2014 BMW Masters.
They are Thomas Bjorn, Jamie Donaldson, Graeme McDowell, Victor Dubuisson, Stephen Gallacher and Ian Poulter.
US champion Martin Kaymer of Germany and Lee Westwood of England won’t be participating, though.
Kaymer is no longer associated with NMW after switching sponsorship to rival German car Mercedes, while Westwood is taking part in Malaysia at the USPGA Tour’s CIMB Classic.
Latest
-
European TourRomain Langasque equals course record to lead Alfred Dunhill Links Championship
The Frenchman recovered from an early bogey with two eagles and eight birdies to reach 11 under par.
-
NewsRory McIlroy bemoans ‘ugly year’ and seeks solution to divide in golf world
The arrival of Saudi-backed LIV Golf series has fractured the game in 2022.
-
NewsOn this day in 2014 – Europe retain Ryder Cup with Gleneagles victory
The Gleneagles victory was Europe’s eighth win in 10 matches.
-
European Tour‘Is this where I am going to die?’ Nicolas Colsaerts on kidney disorder battle
The Belgian is the focus of attention this week as he belatedly defends the Cazoo Open de France title he won three years ago.
-
Ryder CupOn this day in 2008: Ryder Cup misery in Louisville for Nick Faldo’s Europe team
Faldo was heavily criticised for his tactics in the closing singles.
-
LIV GolfOpen champion Cameron Smith wins first LIV trophy in just second start
The world number two is the highest-ranked player to join the rebel series.
-
European TourRobert MacIntyre beats Matt Fitzpatrick in play-off to win Italian Open
MacIntyre birdied the first extra hole at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club, the venue for next year’s Ryder Cup.
-
European TourMatt Fitzpatrick holds narrow lead ahead of final round at Italian Open
Rory McIlroy and Aaron Rai are one shot off the pace.
-
European TourRory McIlroy picks up the pace to claim lead ahead of Matt Fitzpatrick in Rome
McIlroy’s group looked unlikely to complete their second rounds after taking three hours to play nine holes.
-
NewsMatt Fitzpatrick leads way at Italian Open despite ‘inconsistent’ display
The US Open champion held a one-shot lead over fellow Englishman Tom Lewis,