Henrik Stenson To Drop Out Of World's Top 100

(Image credit: Getty Images)

published 21 March 2021

Former Open Champion, Henrik Stenson, is set to drop out of the world's top 100 for the first time since November 2012.

Henrik Stenson To Drop Out Of World's Top 100

Henrik Stenson is set to drop out of the world's top 100 for the first time in nine years after his poor form continues.

The Swede has, so far, missed five cuts in six tournaments in 2021; his only placing is a 46th place finish at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship.

The 44-year-old has been recovering from some nagging injuries. Just before the Arnold Palmer Invitational, Stenson revealed he had: "a little plunge [on] the ski slopes like two and a half weeks ago. We got some sore ribs still, so I'm maybe not a hundred percent."

At the Arnold Palmer Invitational, Stenson would miss the cut; shooting rounds of 73 and 75. The following week, the Swede would do even worse; producing a 13-over-par round of 85 in his first round of The Players Championship.

At this week's Honda Classic, Stenson would shoot yet another frustrating first round of 78, then follow it up with a round of 75 to miss the cut by 12 shots.

With his run of poor results, the 2016 Open Champion is set to drop out of the world rankings for the first time since November 2012.

Stenson first entered the top 100 in the world rankings nearly 20 years ago (May 2001) and reached the top 10 in 2007.

He then went onto enjoy multiple successes including being one of only four players to win a Major, Players Championship, WGC event and a FedEx Cup. With only Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy and Justin Thomas the other players to achieve the feat.

The Swede has spent over 300 weeks ranked in the top ten, with his career high world ranking of second being the best by any male Swedish golfer.

With a busy period coming up, including the Ryder Cup, Stenson will need to draw upon his experience if he is to make Padraig Harrington's side in September.

Matt joined Golf Monthly in February 2021 covering weekend news, before also transitioning to equipment and testing. After freelancing for Golf Monthly and The PGA for 18 months, he was offered a full-time position at the company in October 2022 and continues to cover weekend news and social media, as well as help look after Golf Monthly’s many buyers’ guides and equipment reviews.

Taking up the game when he was just seven years of age, Matt made it into his county squad just a year later and continues to play the game at a high standard, with a handicap of around 2-4. To date, his best round came in 2016, where he shot a six-under-par 66 having been seven-under through nine holes. He currently plays at Witney Lakes in Oxfordshire and his favourite player is Rory McIlroy, despite nearly being struck by his second shot at the 17th during the 2015 BMW PGA Championship.

Matt’s current What’s In The Bag?

Driver: Honma TW747, 8.75°

Fairway Wood: TaylorMade Rocketballz Stage 2, 15°, 19°

Hybrid: Adams Super Hybrid, 22°

Irons: Mizuno MP54, 5-PW

Wedges: Cleveland 588 RTX 2.0 Tour Satin, 50°, 56°, 60°

Putter: Cleveland TFI 2135 Satin Cero

Ball: Titleist Pro V1x

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