Hard to match Henrik Stenson’s raw ball-striking ability

All sports have their great days and after the recent debacle surrounding the Olympics, the world of golf needed something positive this week.

It got it, starting with Phil ‘the Thrill’ Mickelson’s brilliant record-equalling 63 on the opening day. It was the perfect response to get the media excited. Suddenly the focus was back on golf and not on the unwise comments of a great champion who wasn’t even competing in the Games.

Such was the ease with which the 2013 Open champion compiled his opening round, it suggested others in the field quickly needed to play catch-up. He forced their hand and in doing so he destroyed their hopes.