Open Championship Winner Eager for Rio Olympic Golf

(ATR)Henrik Stenson becomes a favorite to win the first Olympic golf tournament in 112 years with his victory in the 2016 Open Championship.

Stenson outdueled Phil Mickelson on the back nine holes at Royal Troon in Scotland to win his first Major title.

The 40-year-old Stenson – who played near flawless golf on Sunday at the venerable Scottish links course – also became the first male golfer from Sweden to claim victory at one of the four Major titles on the professional golf four.

Leading Mickelson by one stroke entering the final round, the unflappable Swede birdied ten holes to shoot an Open record-tying 63. Mickelson posted 65 to finish three shots back.

Stenson previously has seven top-four finishes in Majors, including finishing runner-up to Mickelson at the 2013 Open at Muirfield

"It’s not something that you want to run around and shout, but I felt like this was going to be my turn," Stenson said. "It was the added confidence this week."

"It’s going to be massive for Sweden," Stenson said of the win, joining Annika Sorenstam as a Swedish Major champion.

Asked what he’ll do for an encore, Stenson said his confidence is high heading to Baltusrol, New Jersey, for the PGA Championship, followed by the Olympic tournament in Rio de Janeiro, August 11-14.

"We’re only just getting started and once you open the floodgates who knows what’s going to happen," Stenson said. "It’s the PGA in one-weeks-time and then the Olympics – I was going to have a relaxed week back home with the family, but we’ll see how that goes."

Stenson has been a fervent supporter of Olympic golf and advised that hewill bring his wife and family to Rio. He said he’ll spend the first few days staying in the Olympic village, before moving to a house near the course.

Other pros headed to Rio who finished in the top ten along with Stenson include Sergio Garcia of Spain (tied 5th) and Soren Kjeldsen of Denmark (tied 9th). Jordan Spieth, who admitted his decision this past week to withdraw from the Olympics has been a distraction, shot a disappointing plus-two over par, finishing tied for 30th place.

Royal Troon’s often treacherous playing conditions were relatively benigncompared to previous days of gusting winds and persistent rain. The sun was out for much of the final round and the wind subsided, leading to a birdie-filled showdown.

Stenson praised the passionate Scottish golf fans for their encouragement throughout the tournament.

"I guess I’m one-third Scottish now," Stenson joked. "I really felt the support here even though Phil is a popular Major champion, so I really want to thank the fans who were pushing me.

"There a few places where I’ve played some good golf and Scotland is now one of them," he said.

The Royal and Ancient announced that 173,000 patrons attended the four-day Open Championship.

Stenson said it was a dream to raise the coveted Claret Jug, which has been awarded by the Royal and Ancient to the Open Champion since 1873.

"This trophy is amazing," Stenson said.

Written and reported by Brian Pinelli at Royal Troon in Ayrshire

Around the Rings onsite coverage of the 145th Open Championship at Royal Troon is sponsored exclusively by EventScotland, working to make Scotland the Perfect Stage for Events.