Henrik Stenson Makes Par Following Shank



 

There aren’t any pictures on a scorecard, but sometimes there should be.

On Thursday at the WGC-HSBC Champions in Shanghai, Henrik Stenson turned one of the most cringe-worthy shots in golf into a routine par. Playing the par-4 5th hole, Stenson caught the hosel flush on his second shot, leaving him an awkward pitch for his third. A solid effort from well right of the green led to a mid-range putt that found the bottom of the cup.

“Mark me down for a four.” 


 

Stenson is five shots back of first-round leader Brooks Koepka who lit up Sheshan International Golf Club to the tune of 8-under par. Koepka made seven birdies and an eagle against just one bogey to lead Gavin Green and Kiradech Aphibarnrat by one stroke.

Among other notables in the field, Patrick Reed finished the first round at 6-under par, Matt Kuchar and Justin Rose shot a pair of 5-under par 67s while Dustin Johnson, Daniel Berger and Stenson will enter the second round five shots back of Koepka at 3-under.

Here are the first-round highlights from China. 

 

— — — 

Keep yourself up-to-date with the latest goings-on in the world of golf by following the SwingxSwing Clubhouse on social media. We share stories, stats and breaking news on Twitter, keep the fun going off the course on Instagram and share any and all golf-related topics on Facebook.

Never be the odd golfer out when your friends are talking about the latest or funniest happenings in golf. Sign up for the SxS newsletter today!