Southport: Defending champion Henrik Stenson had all his clothing for this week’s British Open stolen from his accommodation near Royal Birkdale, the Swede said in a statement on Friday.

“When I finished my round on Thursday, I was informed that the house where I am staying had been burgled. It is obviously very special for me to be playing here 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,” said Stenson.

“I am extremely grateful that 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 my clothing for the week,” he said.

A spokesman for organisers, the R&A, said: “We were very sorry to hear about the burglary and have offered any assistance we can provide to Henrik and his family”.

Golfers and their families commonly stay in rented homes rather than hotels at majors and the world No. 8 has chosen accommodation in Formby. He said he had been shaken by the robbery.

The break-in is an embarrassment for the tournament organisers. On Wednesday, the R&A’s chief executive, Martin Slumber, spoke of enhanced security at the Open; incidents akin to what happened to Stenson have never been reported before at the UK’s only major championship.

Merseyside police said: “CCTV, house-to-house and forensic inquiries are being carried out and reassurance has been given to the victim.”

(Agencies)