On the spot with Henrik Stenson

Henrik Stenson will be teeing up in South Korea next week and the Swede has spoken about his fondness of playing golf in Asia, ahead of the 2010 Ballantine's Championship in Jeju Island.

Stenson, said: "I enjoy playing internationally and particularly in Asia. I like the people and I'm impressed that so many fans know of us and what we do. The atmosphere is always very good and I'll keep coming back.

"We, as players, are impressed by the game's growth in Asia and the host of players coming through the ranks. It was some display by Noh Seung Yul in Malaysia recently to become the youngest ever professional to win on the European Tour. This is good for the game of golf and I'm convinced this is only the beginning."

Stenson had claimed six titles - including the 2007 World Golf Championships-Accenture Match Play title - before winning the biggest title of his career last May at The Players Championship on the PGA Tour, compiling a final round of 66 at Sawgrass to win by four shots.

"My game is moving in the right direction and I've put in a lot of work, together with my coach Pete Cowen," he said.

"In the last couple of seasons I've have been able to elevate my game and I've established myself as a top player. This in itself is very gratifying.

"Of course, the Majors are the biggest priority, but it's a process of continuing to do the right things with my game, my physique, my preparation and so on."

Stenson, now 34, has enjoyed a steady rise into golf's elite bracket. He turned professional in 1998 when he finished top of the 2000 Challenge Tour rankings with a record of eight top-ten finishes, including three wins.