Heading into the FedEx Cup playoffs, Stenson had two PGA Tour wins to his name. The last, being at the 2009 Players. Now the 37 year old Swede tacked on two more PGA Tour wins in the span of three weeks.
Winning the second FedEx Cup playoff event, and capping it off with his wire-to-wire win on Sunday. Claiming his fourth PGA Tour win, the FedEx Cup and of course -- The $11.4-Million payday that commanded.
Stenson's streak of great golf can go all the way back The Open Championship where he finished in a tie for second. Another T2 at the WGC-Bridgestone, third at the PGA Championship. And of course, his lights out playing in the FedEx Cup playoffs. Which saw him go:
T43 - Barclays
Win - Deutsche Bank
T33 - BMW
Win - Tour Championship
However, even with his placid exterior and seemingly even temperament on the golf course. This is the same guy who snapped the head of his driver and trashed a locker in the clubhouse at Conway Farms.
Yeah, he wanted this very, very badly.
The simple fact is, Sternson seemingly made everything he had to. He led the field in Greens in Regulation at East Lake (and the PGA Tour). Just as he did in two of the FedEx Cup events. His scoring average on the PGA Tour this season of 69.287 was ranked fourth on the year. And rounding it all out, Stenson also ranked first in ball striking as well.
Though Stenson did have a nine shot lead at East Lake at one point on Saturday. That lead dwindled to four heading into Sunday's final round.
"It was probably as tough of a situation as I've been in in terms of having that big lead yesterday, didn't finish that great," Stenson said. "But in one sense, it could have been good as well because it really made me focus. Because I knew I had to play a good game of golf today to hold the guys off."
He did just that.
Holding off a hard fought, late charge from rookie sensation Jordan Spieth, who carded a final round 6-under, 64. To finish in a tie for second with Steve Stricker, at 10-under overall. Three back of Stenson.
The now four time PGA Tour winner and FedEx Cup Champion, who has finished third or better in five of his last seven starts. Will shoot to No. 4 in the Official Golf World Rankings.
Stenson said he'll be taking the next few weeks off, before heading to Asia to finish out the European Tour season. Hoping to double dip on both tours, and win the Race to Dubai.
"It's just been a great summer," Stenson said. "I mean, way beyond what I could imagine. The play that I performed here since mid-July has been incredible."
"To be the FedExCup champion, that means a whole lot more to me than the money," Stenson said with a $11.4-Million smile.
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