By Bernie McGuire

DUBAI, Feb 3 (Reuters) - Swedish golfer Henrik Stenson
dismissed suggestions he would be playing `catch up' at this
week's Dubai Desert Classic after having very little time to get
used to his new clubs.

Stenson had expected to test some new grooved irons late
last year but unfortunately his plans were delayed by several
weeks as his order failed to arrive on time.

"I thought I was going to receive the new clubs late last
year but that didn't turn out. It kind of got stuck on 11:59:59
on the clock," the world number 10 told reporters on Wednesday.

"So I've had to do quite a bit of work the last couple of
weeks and yesterday I felt like I nailed it with the wedges and
found the right ones."

Despite the setback, Stenson was confident that he could be
competitive in Dubai after cramming in some practice with the
new clubs.

"It does feel like my game is coming together. I've had two
good days with some testing of equipment, this changeover of
grooves and wedges did kind of leave me out a little due to a
few circumstances," he said.

"But if you look at the positives, at least I didn't play
the wrong ball in Abu Dhabi as I did last year and I had a
somewhat decent finish there," added Stenson, who finished in
21st place at the tournament.

This week the 33-year-old is hoping to exploit his local
knowledge of the Emirates course as he established a base in
Dubai some years ago and captured the title in 2007.

"It's a week I always look forward to, playing a home course
in good shape in front of home crowds and good friends," said
Stenson.

"It's also a strong field this year and it's going to take a
lot of good playing to beat these guys."    

He also has his heart set on winning a third straight
European Ryder Cup team cap.

"Of course, playing in a third Ryder Cup is a big goal for
me this year, and it's been good for Colin Montgomerie that many
of the top players in Europe are playing so well, so soon in the
new season," said Stenson.

"Everyone seems to be on song, including many of the younger
players like Rory (McIlroy) and Martin Kaymer so we're looking
at a real generation shift in terms of a likely team make-up.

"So hopefully I can get back to playing my best because I am
seeking my spot back in the team."

Stenson will play the opening two rounds of the $US 2.5m
event in the company of Ryder Cup colleagues Lee Westwood and
Oliver Wilson.

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