Henrik Stenson savours best year of his career after winning Race To Dubai for second time
World No4 Henrik Stenson toasted the best season of his career on Sunday after adding a second Race To Dubai title to his stellar list of achievements in the last 12 months.
Stenson’s share of ninth place at the DP World Tour Championship – won by young Englishman Matthew Fitzpatrick – was enough to see him finish the year atop the European Tour’s money list.
The Swede, who also won Europe’s order of merit three years ago, landed his first Major title by winning the Open in July and weeks later claimed silver at the Rio Olympics.
Read more: Stenson in pole position for Race to Dubai's $1.25m prize
“I’m very pleased to get my name on this trophy once again,” said Stenson, who banked a $1.5m (£1m) bonus for winning the Race To Dubai.
“It’s been a great year, the best of my career. I’ve always thought it was going to be hard to top 2013, but I think I’ve done that this year.
"Maybe not to the level of golf over six months, but certainly with the highlights of winning the Open, the Olympics and the Race to Dubai again.”
Fitzpatrick claims biggest win
Fitzpatrick, meanwhile, enjoyed the biggest win of his fledgling career at the season-ending event in Dubai two years to the day after first earning his European Tour card.
The Sheffield 22-year-old, who made his Ryder Cup debut this year, holed a birdie at the last to finish on 17 under par and pip compatriot Tyrrell Hatton by one shot.
“It means the world. To win one of these Final Series events is really special, and this one in particular,” he said.
“This is just icing on the cake as a year goes. It’s been a great one.”
Stenson’s rivals for the Race To Dubai failed to mount a challenge.
Rory McIlroy also tied for ninth on 12 under par, Alex Noren was four shots further back and Danny Willett was tied for 50th on one under.