Stenson doesn’t miss this time out
Swede weathers delay, wins Deutsche Bank
NORTON, Mass. – The final round of the Deutsche Bank Championship had something for everyone on Labor Day – mostly a trophy, finally, for Henrik Stenson.
He was runner-up to Phil Mickelson at a major and Tiger Woods at a World Golf Championship, and he tied for third at the PGA Championship to keep climbing in the world ranking. Stenson was doing just about everything right this summer except winning, usually because someone simply played better.
Not this time.
Stenson surged past a fast-fading Sergio Garcia with three straight birdies, seized control with a 5-iron into 15 feet for another birdie right before a two-hour rain delay, and then put away Steve Stricker by holing out from the bunker for birdie late in the final round at the TPC Boston.
He wound up with a 5-under 66 and a two-shot win, and suddenly his summer is looking better than ever.
“Pretty perfect timing, I guess,” Stenson said. “There’s never a bad time to win a golf tournament, I know that much.”
The 37-year-old Swede moved to the top of the FedEx Cup standings after two playoff events, assuring him his first trip to the Tour Championship and a clear shot at the $10 million prize.
“I’m just pleased I won here,” said Stenson, who tied the tournament record at 22-under 262. “This was a big goal of mine to win a golf tournament after all those nice finishes. My family is here. I’m going to see my kids in a little bit. It’s all good.”
It was Stricker’s third runner-up finish this year and allowed him to move into the top 10 and qualify for the Presidents Cup team, despite playing a part-time schedule.