Henrik Stenson has ‘no concerns’ about Hong Kong protests; Swede recalls ‘looking into people’s living rooms’ during a 1995 trip
- The 2016 Open champion says as long as the European Tour is happy with security he is ready to play
- The world No 39 says he has heard great things about the Fanling course and is looking forward to finishing year on a high
Henrik Stenson remembers “looking into people’s living rooms” the last time he flew into Hong Kong more than 20 years ago. And the former Open champion is now looking forward to meeting people face to face when he takes part in this year’s Hong Kong Open at Fanling.
The 43-year-old Swede said he had “no concerns” about playing in Hong Kong despite the often violent anti-government protests that have plagued the city since June.
Stenson is competing at the Hong Kong Golf Club for the first time, having last landed in the city in 1995 when the old Kai Tak airport was in operation and planes were forced to fly low over residential buildings before landing.
“Believe it or not it will be my first appearance in Hong Kong,” Stenson said during a media call on Tuesday. “Back in 1995, I went to an amateur event in the Philippines. We made a stop in Hong Kong on the way down there, changing planes. I remember flying in and looking into people’s living rooms. And I thought this seems like an interesting place.
“It’s been a long time since I decided to come and play there and I’m excited to play. I’ve heard a lot of great things about the golf course and everything that goes with that.”
Stenson is part of a spectacular field for the November 28 to December 1 tournament, with fellow major champions Francesco Molinari and Patrick Reed joined by defending champion Aaron Rai, Spain’s four-time winner Miguel Angel Jimenez and flamboyant Thai Kiradech Aphibarnrat.