Henrik Stenson clinched a one shot victory over Ollie Schniederjans at The Wyndham Championship last Sunday. Finishing at a record 22 under par, this was Stenson’s first victory of the year. Stenson shot a solid six-under 64 on the final day to pip Schniederjans to the title. Schniederjans himself shot a six-under 64. He kept the pressure on Stenson all day. A cool back nine saw the Swede through to victory.
Henrik Stenson Peaking at the Right Time
Henrik Stenson has had a pretty torrid year after winning the Open Championship last year at Royal Troon. His major performances were not the best. He missed the cut at the Masters and the U.S. Open; with his best finish a T11 at The Open Championship. He didn’t have much to shout about, with no victories stretching back to the 2016 Open. However he has found form at the right time. This victory at the Wyndham Championship is his sixth on the PGA Tour. Stenson hit eight birdies in his final round 64, including three in a row starting from the 15th, which included a monster putt on the final hole.
With the FedEx Cup playoffs looming large this week, this victory could kick-start a strong finish to the season from Stenson. He could have the chance to win the FedEx Cup for the second time should he win back-to-back tournaments with a victory at the Northern Trust this week.
Thomas Riding High after PGA Championship Victory:
Justin Thomas must still feel like he is dreaming. Thomas clinched the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow Country Club a couple of weeks ago with a superb final day 68. He won by two shots over a group of players on six-under par that included Ryder Cup Patrick Reed. The victory was made even sweeter by the fact that his father and grandfather were both PGA professionals. Justin winning the major that is most associated with professionals is something special.
I had tipped Thomas to win a major all year. He collapsed from strong positions in most of them. At the PGA it was different however, as Thomas seemed to show a calmness that had not been present in previous majors. His victory signifies the strength of American golf as the young guns begin to break through. Should he carry on his form into the FedEx Cup playoffs, Justin Thomas will be a very difficult man to beat.
This week on Tour:
The prestigious FedEx Cup playoffs begin this week on the PGA Tour with the Northern Trust Open at Glen Oaks Golf Club in New York. The world’s best be looking to increase their FedEx Cup rankings to be in best position to win the Cup come the Tour Championship. Patrick Reed will defend his title. He faces a strong field including recent major champion Justin Thomas. Also playing are Rickie Fowler, Dustin Johnson and FedEx Cup leader Hideki Matsuyama. The European Tour hosts the Made in Denmark Championship where Thomas Pieters will return to defend his title.
