AUGUSTA, GA - APRIL 04: Henrik Stenson of Sweden walks to the 13th tee during the second practice day prior to the start of The Masters at the Augusta National Golf Club on April 4, 2007 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images)Henrik Stenson US Masters Golfers

Swedish golfer, Henrik Stenson, is hoping to add to the Major wins the Europeans have enjoyed recently when he takes to Augusta National Golf Course in 2008. Up until Padraig Harrington snatched a win at the British Open, it had been nine years since any European has lifted a major title.

Dubbed “Iceman”, Stenson is believed by many to be the new global force in golf. He started off his 2006 season with a startling victory over Tiger Woods and  Ernie Els, and in February 2007 he reached number 8 in the world rankings, becoming the highest-ranked European golfer for the first time. He took on and beat Australian Geoff Ogilvy, who was fresh from his US Open victory at Winged Foot.

His European Ryder Cup captain and celebrated master of Augusta, Nick Faldo, is one of the Swede’s greatest admirers: “He’s a great talent. He’s got gorilla strength, is a fast learner, is winning regularly and is solid with the putter.” Faldo firmly believes that Stenson is the man to add to the European Major wins at the 2008 US Masters.

Henrik Stenson, US Masters golfer, is slightly surprised by the expectant tone and it is not in his nature to make in-your-face declarations of intent. Instead, he is cautious: “Don’t get me wrong,” he said. “I think I can have a good tournament, but it’s only my third time at Augusta.”

The 31-year-old has had a rough time of it, and perhaps that is why he shows so much humility. He went through a terrible slump in 2001 and as coach, Pete Cowen described, “He had trouble hitting the world.” He had such trouble that he walked off the K Club at the European Open, and told his partners that they would be better off without him!

With the help of a sports psychiatrist and his coach Stenson slowly rebuilt his game. It was only in 2005 that his career began to lurch upwards. “That’s when I really established my game,” he said. “I didn’t apply the icing with a win or two – that came in 2006 – but that’s when I put myself into the position to establish myself, move up the rankings and then into the Ryder Cup team.”

Henrik Stenson, US Masters golfer – yes, this young man is definitely the one to watch. As his caddie, the famous Fanny Sunesson, has said, “Henrik is one of those rare, fortunate players who can be as good as he wants to be – he’s got everything.”