DORAL, Fla. - Golf's Skins Game won't be played until November, but spectators at Doral on Thursday were treated to an impromptu skin game.
The star of the R-rated show was Henrik Stenson, a 32-year-old Swede who is the world's No. 7-ranked player.
Stenson momentarily stole the spotlight from Tiger Woods during the first round of the WGC-CA Championship when he took it (almost) all off to play a shot.
After hitting his tee on the third hole into a muddy hazard, Stenson stripped to his skivvies for the next shot.
"Just the way God created me," he said, perhaps forgetting that he wasn't born wearing boxer briefs and a golf glove.
Splattering himself with mud as he extricated the ball, Stenson then toweled off and put his shirt, slacks, socks and shoes back on. Once he reached the green, his putter wasn't as solid as his wedge; he was unable to get up and down for par.
After finishing his round he explained his exhibitionism. Earlier this year in Dubai, he said, he had a similar shot and covered himself with dirt. This time he opted for cleanliness over modesty. "If you are saving a shot, that has to be worth taking your shirt and trousers," Stenson said. "I'm sure I'll hear a few comments and once the pictures get out, I'll hear a few more, no doubt. I'll probably take that to my grave with me. I don't think I scared too many spectators off the course, hopefully."
The star of the R-rated show was Henrik Stenson, a 32-year-old Swede who is the world's No. 7-ranked player.
Stenson momentarily stole the spotlight from Tiger Woods during the first round of the WGC-CA Championship when he took it (almost) all off to play a shot.
After hitting his tee on the third hole into a muddy hazard, Stenson stripped to his skivvies for the next shot.
"Just the way God created me," he said, perhaps forgetting that he wasn't born wearing boxer briefs and a golf glove.
Splattering himself with mud as he extricated the ball, Stenson then toweled off and put his shirt, slacks, socks and shoes back on. Once he reached the green, his putter wasn't as solid as his wedge; he was unable to get up and down for par.
After finishing his round he explained his exhibitionism. Earlier this year in Dubai, he said, he had a similar shot and covered himself with dirt. This time he opted for cleanliness over modesty. "If you are saving a shot, that has to be worth taking your shirt and trousers," Stenson said. "I'm sure I'll hear a few comments and once the pictures get out, I'll hear a few more, no doubt. I'll probably take that to my grave with me. I don't think I scared too many spectators off the course, hopefully."
