Stenson has sights set on being No 1

Henrik Stenson swelled his bank balance by more than $20 million, won a string of awards and leapt to No 3 in the world rankings.

Now, he has the small matter of becoming the world No 1 for the first time in his sights.

At a media conference on Tuesday the cool Swede made no secret about his ambition to become the top-ranked player, saying it would be a "nice thing" if that happens.

"I think I'm in a position in the world rankings that if I really keep on playing well, I will have a chance to possibly, first, overtake Adam (Scott) and then maybe challenge Tiger (Woods) for the No 1 spot," Stenson said ahead of this week's Qatar Masters.

"I'm trying to focus on my stuff and then we'll see how far it takes us.

"But the chance is obviously there and it would be a nice thing to have on the CV when we put the clubs in the closet one day - that we've held the No 1 spot at some time, and if that doesn't happen, I would be happy to go for No 2 as of now."

Stenson, however, understands the perils of obsessing about the world No 1 spot, saying things always don't go according to plan.

"One part is down to what I do. If I can keep my form going and playing good golf, and it's those elements that we can't control what the other guys are doing, and might even be somebody from behind going on a really hot streak and overtaking everybody."

Stenson, who won the Qatar Masters in 2006 and has finished in second position thrice, considers the Doha Golf Club course a "good hunting ground" and is determined to make the most of his experience, this being his 14th appearance in the event.

(China Daily 01/23/2014 page23)