The Loop

Henrik Stenson has torn meniscus, will skip BMW to rest up for Ryder Cup

September 01, 2016
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A week after withdrawing from the Barclays, Henrik Stenson said he has a "small re-tear" in the meniscus of his right knee. For now, Stenson said he plans to play through the injury, including teeing it up at this week's Deutsche Bank Championship, the second event of the FedEx Cup Playoffs. However, Golfweek reported Thursday evening that Stenson will skip next week's BMW Championship to rest up for the Ryder Cup.

"I had the MRI report on Monday and it's the same one I operated in December last year and I got a small re-tear in the back side of my meniscus, a different place from previous but that's what's causing the symptoms, I guess," Stenson told Golf Channel on Thursday. "And at this point, I'm not looking or hoping to have to do another surgery. I just gotta try and see how we progress in the months and see how much grief it gives me."

That can't be what European Ryder Cup captain Darren Clarke was hoping to hear less than a month before the biennial matches. Here's the entire video of the interview:

Stenson's decision could also keep him from qualifying for the Tour Championship, which is the week before the Ryder Cup. Currently No. 21 in the FedEx Cup standings, Stenson probably needs a good week to guarantee he'll stay in the top 30 and get into the field at East Lake. Provided his knee isn't bothering him too much, that seems likely considering his strong record at TPC Boston that includes a runner-up last year and a victory in 2013 when he went on to win the FedEx Cup. If he doesn't make it to East Lake, he'll at least have more time to recover for the Ryder Cup at Hazeltine.

Stenson had his right knee operated on in December before returning to competition six weeks later. Up until last week's withdrawal following an opening 74 at Bethpage Black, it had been a magical summer for Stenson in which he claimed his first major title and a silver medal at the Olympics.