Henrik Stenson is one of the greatest iron players of his generation, which is why what you’re about to see is such a shock. During Thursday’s first round of the European Tour’s Dubai Desert Classic, the Swede hit one of the worst shots of his illustrious career. What’s not as shocking is he was still able to make par on the hole.
OK, let’s get to the highlight, which is actually both a lowlight followed by a highlight. Stenson has an iron for his second shot to the par-5 18th hole and he misses. Badly. So badly, in fact, someone watching may have muttered Henrik Shankson. Sorry, just saying.
Anyway, his miss is so far right he nearly misses the pond to the right of the green. But after dropping, right near a giant tournament logo painted on a hill where few have probably ever ht a shot from, Stenson flopped one to gimme range to save par. Check it out:
Well played, Henrik. And even better played on Twitter:
Unfortunately, though, pars aren’t getting the job done in Dubai. After an opening two-over 74, Stenson finds himself 10 shots behind Richard Sterne’s lead. To get in contention, he probably wants to stay away from any logoed areas the rest of the week.