Stenson excited by Ballantine's Championship

"I never had any doubts about playing for a living, that was my objective from the very beginning. From early on, my biggest influence was always my family. They supported me and drove me around to the different events. Without that support it would have been almost impossible."

Stenson and his wife Emma have two young children, Lisa and Karl, and while away on tour he keeps in close contact with them at their home in Dubai.

The Swede stressed: "There is an absolute need to be able to relax and take time away from golf. My wife and I are proud parents of two wonderful and spirited kids. My family makes it very easy to relax and switch off.

"We call Dubai home. It's a convenient base between Asia, Europe and the US. It's ideal to practise in Dubai because of the weather and the facilities. The local people support me and I enjoy having a couple of home events on the European schedule."

Stenson will arrive in Korea looking to improve on his display at last year's Ballantine's Championship when he never really troubled the leaders, eventually finishing in a tie for 52nd.

"Jeju is a beautiful spot and the course played really challenging last year," he says.

"The organisation and the people were very good. We were treated very well and it'll be great to see everybody again. I'm looking forward to getting back there, but I have to admit I hope the conditions will be somewhat kinder to us this year."

Joining Stenson in the €2.2 million showpiece from April 22-25 will be three-time Major champion Ernie Els and Korean Y.E. Yang, who became Asia's first ever Major winner when he captured the PGA Championship last year. The line-up will also include PGA Tour star Anthony Kim, European Tour legend Miguel Angel Jiménez, the tournament's 2008 champion, Graeme McDowell, and last year's winner Thongchai Jaidee.

Where next?

Thongchai Jaidee: Jaidee excited by Ballantine's Championship defence Anthony Kim: On the spot with Anthony Kim Competitions: Win golf prizes Equipment: Latest equipment reviews