Defending champions Robert Karlsson and Henrik Stenson of Sweden have expressed their desire to return to China to defend their position as World Champions at the 2009 Omega Mission Hills World Cup which will be staged at Mission Hills Golf Club from November 26 – 29.
Karlsson, the current holder of the Harry Vardon Trophy as Europe’s Number One in 2008, and Stenson, winner of The Players Championship on the US PGA Tour in May, hope that they can be driven to victory once again by their pride in representing Sweden and by the enduring friendship they forged in winning the 2008 Omega Mission Hills World Cup. They reflected on their World Cup experience in a recent interview.
“It was a great week, we had a lot of fun and it was a great experience for Robert and me because we bonded well together for the first time,” said Stenson.
“We didn’t really know each other too well before that because Robert is obviously a few years older than me, so coming from different age groups we didn’t really hang out together. It was great to get to know him better during the Ryder Cups and the World Cup and I think the fact that we won showed that we got on great.“
Karlsson added: “When Henrik came out on Tour I didn’t really know who he was. I knew of his ability but I didn’t even know what he looked like at the start. He changed that pretty quickly by winning straight away and, although he then went through a rough patch, he has shown over the past five years that he belongs amongst the world’s best. It was a great experience to partner with him at the World Cup and I hope we can do the same again this year.”
The pair produced an unforgettable final round performance last year. Starting the final day four shots off the lead, Stenson and Karlsson were invincible in the foursomes format, producing a stunning nine under par 63 to record a comfortable three-stroke victory over their nearest rivals.
Looking ahead to the 2009 Omega Mission Hills World Cup Stenson remarked: “I am really looking forward to going back to defend with him – if both he and I can bring some game back to China there is no reason why we can’t repeat it. I hope the people in Sweden recognise the achievement – it was only the second time that Sweden have won it and I hope we gave some people some pride back home. It is a great achievement for any country to be world champions, no matter what the sport is, and I hope Robert and I can do it all again.”
Karlsson added: “The final round 63 was probably the easiest 63 we have ever produced because we hit all the important shots very well and putted great so it was easy in that respect. It could probably have been lower, but it was a great score and turned out to be a special day for us and for Sweden.”
