Stenson delighted to be returning to Korea

Henrik Stenson

Henrik Stenson loves playing in Asia – the beautiful courses, knowledgeable fans and increasingly intense competition all add up to a rich golfing experience for the likeable Swede.

"I've been fortunate to play all over the globe," says the world No.16. "I enjoy playing internationally and particularly in Asia. I like the people and I'm impressed that so many fans know of us and what we do. The atmosphere is always very good and I'll keep coming back.

"We, as players, are impressed by the game's growth in Asia and the host of players coming through the ranks. It was some display by [Korean teenager] Noh Seung Yul in Malaysia recently to become the youngest ever professional to win on the European Tour. This is good for the game of golf and I'm convinced this is only the beginning. We have to look out!"

Stenson's liking for Asia means he is eagerly anticipating returning to Korea next week for the Ballantine's Championship, which will once again be played at Pinx Golf Club on the picturesque holiday island of Jeju, and he feels his game is in good shape as he looks to build on an excellent 2009.

He already had six European Tour victories to his name - including the 2007 World Golf Championships-Accenture Match Play title - before winning the biggest title of his career last May at The Players Championship on the PGA Tour, compiling a memorable final round of six-under-par 66 at the notorious TPC Sawgrass to win by four shots.

"My game is moving in the right direction and I've put in a lot of work, together with my coach Pete Cowen," he says. "In the last couple of seasons I've have been able to elevate my game and I've established myself as a top player. This in itself is very gratifying."

Despite the disappointment of missing the cut in last week's Masters, Stenson is optimistic about the rest of 2010. "After winning the Players and the WGC Match Play, I've proven to myself that I can beat the best. Above all, if I keep progressing and work on the overall aspects of my game, I know the results will come.

"Of course, the Majors are the biggest priority, but it's a process of continuing to do the right things with my game, my physique, my preparation and so on. It's all about being able to produce my best stuff on the given day - and make it as tough as I can for the others to beat me!"

Stenson, now 34, has enjoyed a steady rise into golf's elite bracket. Growing up in Sweden, he always felt he had the ability to make it and his decision to turn professional in 1998 was justified. He finished top of the 2000 Challenge Tour rankings with a record of eight top 10 finishes, including three wins.

"I'd always liked sports," he recalls. "I was introduced to golf by a friend of the family and found green pastures almost immediately. I was hooked on the game. My dad, Ingemar, then took up golf 'just to be able to spend some time' with me. I also believe that growing up in the northern parts of the world really motivates us as there are a few months every year when we are unable to play.

"I never had any doubts about playing for a living, that was my objective from the very beginning. From early on, my biggest influence was always my family. They supported me and drove me around to the different events. Without that support it would have been almost impossible."

Family continues to be an extremely important part of Stenson's life - he and wife Emma have two young children, Lisa and Karl, and while away on tour he keeps in close contact with them at their home in Dubai. "There is an absolute need to be able to relax and take time away from golf," he stresses. "My wife and I are proud parents of two wonderful and spirited kids. My family makes it very easy to relax and switch off.

"We call Dubai home. It's a convenient base between Asia, Europe and the US. I've been there for a long time now and have a few good friends there. It's ideal to practise in Dubai because of the weather and the facilities. The local people support me and I enjoy having a couple of home events on the European schedule."

Stenson will arrive in Korea looking to improve on his display at last year's Ballantine's Championship when he never really troubled the leaders. He eventually finished joint 52nd in an event that took place in freakishly cold and windy weather.

"Jeju is a beautiful spot and the course played really challenging last year," he says. "The organisation and the people were very good. We were treated very well and it'll be great to see everybody again. I'm looking forward to getting back there, but I have to admit I hope the conditions will be somewhat kinder to us this year."

The Ballantine's Championship, the first European Tour event to be played in Korea, will once again be co-sanctioned by the Asian Tour and Korea PGA.

Joining Stenson in the €2.2 million showpiece from 22-25 April will be three-time Major champion Ernie Els and Korean hero Yang Yong Eun, who became Asia's first ever Major winner when he captured the PGA Championship last year. The line-up will also include PGA Tour star Anthony Kim, European Tour legend Miguel Angel Jiménez, the tournament's 2008 champion, Graeme McDowell, and last year's winner Thongchai Jaidee.

Stenson is relishing being part of such a strong line-up. "I don't travel halfway around the globe if I don't believe I have a chance of winning," he insists. "I think a good field only adds to the excitement for the fans. I'm sure there'll be a healthy challenge by the Asian contingent as well. Hopefully we'll have to fight it out all the way to the finish line!"