Stenson’s scintillating score of 63 in the final round at Royal Troon little over a year ago will go down as one of the most memorable and historic days in the history of The Open.
Phil Mickelson was the seasoned pro having won the Claret Jug in 2013 while Stenson was still searching for a long overdue first Major.
But everything fell in place for the Swede, who needed to break Tiger Woods’ 19-under-par Open record in order to hold off Mickelson’s charge.
He will now be required to hand the Claret Jug back to the R&A ahead of this week’s championship, but Stenson plans to take the famous trophy to new heights should he defend his title.
“It’s pride, it’s history – the Claret Jug is such an iconic, perfect trophy,” Stenson said.
“It’s imprinted in your mind. I’m Claret Jug brainwashed.
“There have been some drinks with French heritage in that jug and some Sprite and cola for the kids. It’s been jet-skiing and if I defend my title and win again, I’ll take the Claret Jug sky-diving.”
While the trophy from his 2016 triumph will no longer be in Stenson’s hands, the memory of being involved in one of the most remarkable days in major championship golf will stay with him forever.
“It made it so much more special competing in that fashion and winning the Claret Jug, playing against a golfing legend,” Stenson added.
“It means it will be remembered. When people are looking back at great major championships and are shown footage from our match, that all makes it so much more special to win in that manner.
“The confidence of knowing you can go in to the final round and shoot 63 to win a major championship will always be with me.
“A player of Phil’s calibre, give him two or three shots and you know it’s over. I just didn’t want him to get away with it.
“To me, it didn’t matter if I came second, third or fourth – there was only first. It was all about full steam ahead, and I guess being up against the best gives you that momentum to push harder.
“I was convinced it was going to be my day on the Sunday. I just had to breathe and play golf. I was so in the moment I didn’t realise my [number of] birdies.”
