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PGA: Henrick Stenson's house buglarized during Open Championship

By The Sports Xchange
Henrik Stenson is the defending Open Championship winner. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI
Henrik Stenson is the defending Open Championship winner. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo

Defending champion Henrik Stenson's rental house was burglarized as he played his first round of the Open Championship on Thursday at Royal Birkdale.

The 41-year-old Swede said valuable personal items and all of his clothing were taken, but the Claret Jug awarded to the winner of The Open had already been returned to the R&A on Monday.

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"When I finished my round I was informed the house where I am staying had been burgled," Stenson said in a statement Thursday. "It is very special for me to be playing 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 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 spokesman for the R&A said: "We are very sorry to hear about the burglary and have offered any assistance we can provide to Henrik and his family."

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Stenson teed off at 9:47 a.m. local time on Thursday and finished at 1-under 69. He was a late starter as Friday's second round got under way.

"I am not going to let this spoil the week in any way," Stenson told reporters.

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