Open champion Henrik Stenson’s rented home ransacked by burglars while golfer PLAYED during first round at Birkdale

Open champion Henrik Stenson’s rented home ransacked by burglars while golfer PLAYED during first round at Birkdale

Last years Open champion Henrik Stenson was the victim of a well-planned burglary as he began the defence of his title.

The property he is renting near to the town was broken into while he was on the course at Birkdale on Thursday, and apparently everything he left behind was looted.

Stenson, 41, even had to contact his sponsors to send him emergency clothing supplies to wear in the second round, because the outfit he planned to wear was among the items that were stolen.

Stenson said: “When I finished my round yesterday I was informed that the house where I am staying had been burgled.

“It is obviously very special for me to be playing here in front of the fantastic Birkdale crowds as the defending Open Champion so I am going to try not to let this spoil the week in any way.

“I am extremely grateful that my family were not in the house at the time.

“As many of you know the Claret Jug was returned to the R&A on Monday but unfortunately, along with some valuable personal items, they have taken all of my clothing for the week.”

A source close to Stenson said he was “visibly uspet” by what had happened.