Hensby keeps cools as Stenson cracks in play-off

AUSTRALIAN Mark Hensby transferred his major form onto the European Tour yesterday to win the Scandinavian Masters in Stockholm.

Hensby - fifth, third and 15th in the three majors this season - defeated local favourite Henrik Stenson on the second play-off hole after the pair had finished tied on 22 under par at Kungsangen.

After both players made par on the first hole of sudden death it was Stenson who cracked under the pressure, the Swede three-putting the same hole from 25ft to gift Hensby the title and £185,000 first prize.

“The majors are what we want to win but winning this is very special,” said Hensby, who needed a sponsor’s invite to take part.

“I wanted to play here last year but couldn’t make it but I suppose it’s turned out for the best.

“I’ll definitely take up membership of the European Tour now, it’s much more relaxing over here, you get to visit different cities and it’s something I really enjoy.”

Stenson looked to have clinched his third tour title when he eagled the 17th to move two shots clear of Hensby in the group behind.

But the 34-year-old from Melbourne two-putted the 17th for birdie and then holed from 30ft on the 18th for another birdie - and inward half of 30 - to stun the large home crowds.

“When you know you have to make it to get in a play-off it’s like you have a free run at it,” added Hensby, winner of the John Deere Classic on the US Tour last year.

“I hit a great putt but you also need that bit of luck for it to go in. I had a very similar putt on the first play-off hole but didn’t hit it hard enough, and then on the second hole I think Henrik thought I was going to hole for birdie and gave his putt a real run.

“But he will learn a lot. He’s got so much talent and he’s going to be a great player.”

Hensby’s victory did at least make one Swedish person happy, namely his caddy Fanny Sunesson.

“I’ve known Fanny for a while,” Hensby added. “When she was working for Nick (Faldo) in Korea last year I told I her was coming to Sweden and would love for her to work for me.

“She said coming up the last we could make a lot of Swedes unhappy and she’d be the only happy one but the crowds were great, they really take to you.”

Stenson, who began the day two shots off the lead, said: “I’m greatly disappointed to lose out but I went out there and played a good round of golf so I’m very happy with the way I played.

“You have to think he was going to hole that putt on the last. I played with him over the first three days and had seen him make quite a few of those. He needed to make birdie and did and that’s the sign of a great golfer.

“I had all the support throughout the week and especially today. I really felt the crowds were with me and it would have meant a lot to walk away with the trophy.

“I finished tied second last year and second on my own this year so at least we are moving in the right direction.”

Zimbabwe’s Marc Cayeux stormed home in just 28 shots to card a closing 65 and claim a share of third with joint overnight leader Bradley Dredge, the Welshman struggling to a 70.

Cayeux was born in England but now lives in South Africa and is financially supporting his parents who still live in Zimbabwe.

“When I was signing the card the recorder said ‘28’ and I couldn’t believe it, it was just amazing,” said the 27-year-old, who won £62,000.