Stenson happy to shake off 'emotional' week to lead at LIV Golf's Bedminster tournament
The Swede offset a double bogey on the third hole with an eagle putt and then carded four birdies for a 2-under 69 at a windy Trump National Golf Club to go three shots clear of former world number one Dustin Johnson (38).
You can follow LIV Golf's Invitational Bedminster on Flashscore
Stenson said on Thursday that the money on offer at the Saudi-funded series played a part in his switch to the breakaway circuit and looks poised to make the move pay off by taking home the $4 million prize.
"It's certainly been a busy and emotional week, or 10 days, no question," Stenson told reporters on Saturday.
"But I was very happy with how I managed to channel the concentration and go out and play the best round of the season yesterday," added Stenson, who made eight birdies for a 7-under 64 on his return to golf on Friday.
"I didn't have my best stuff today, but I was still focused and (had a) good attitude. That's what kept me in the ballgame... Overall, I'm pleased, and we're at the races."
Asked if he had a chip on his shoulder about the Ryder Cup captaincy decision, Stenson looked at both of his shoulders and replied: "I don't see any."
Stenson, who triumphed at the 2016 British Open with a record score, is ranked 173rd in the world and has not won on the PGA Tour since 2017.
LIV's third event in Bedminster has attracted protests from 9/11 survivors and victims' families, who criticized the golfers for their willingness to play in the league and former president Donald Trump for hosting the event.
On Friday, two-time Masters champion Bubba Watson (43) became the latest big name to join the invitational series, which critics say amounts to blatant "sportswashing" by a nation trying to improve its reputation in light of its history of human rights abuses.
