Sweden’s world number six, Henrik Stenson, is ready to kickstart his build-up to The Masters at this week’s Valspar Championship at Innisbrook.
Stenson, the reigning Open champion, has finished T11 and T4 in his previous two starts and wants to add the Valspar title to his ever-growing CV, with the year’s first major around the corner.
‘It’s a golf course I think suits my game pretty well as the two previous visits have shown, and I hope I can be there on Sunday afternoon with a chance to win,’ said the Swede.
‘That’s always what we come out and try and do. It’s the beginning of a few stretch of tournaments leading into Augusta, so we want to try to get to the Masters in the right direction with where the game is at, and what we need to keep on working on leading into the first major of the year.’
Stenson believes it’s hard to peak for the majors, but good planning goes a long way to getting his game in shape for ultimate tests in golf.
‘I think you can just give yourself the best kind of opportunities to do so. And with experience and time, you work out what kind of schedule you want to work around and how you want to prepare.
‘The only thing we know is that when it’s time to play well, then your preparation must have been done beforehand.’
Stenson confirmed that he will be playing Bay Hill (The Arnold Palmer Invitational) before The Masters, unlike many who have opted to skip the event. Dustin Johnson, Jordan Spieth, Adam Scott, Justin Thomas, Patrick Reed and Phil Mickelson have all opted out of the 2017 edition.
‘Of course, there’s going to be some special tributes to his life and honor,’ said Stenson referring to the first API since Palmer’s passing.
‘We’re putting some umbrellas on our bags and things like that. So I’m sure it’s going to be a great week, and we’re going to do our best to honor him throughout the week.’
