Golf: Henrik Stenson's house burgled while he played at Open

Sweden's Henrik Stenson watches his shot off the 5th tee during the second round of the British Open Golf Championship, at Royal Birkdale. Photo / AP.

Henrik Stenson's rental house here at the 146th Open was burgled whilst the Swede was on the course - and the R&A is just relieved that the defending champion had already returned the Claret Jug.

Stenson, 41, was forced to borrow a top off his caddie, Gareth Lord, and, with the help of his sponsors, managed to cobble together the rest of his costume, because his second-round outfit was among the many items taken. His clubs and shoes were obviously not in the Southport home, as he was busy compiling his first-round 69.

Stenson released a statement, saying he was determined "not to let this spoil this week in anyway", but he was understandably rattled. His coach, the Englishman Pete Cowen, revealed his client's emotions.

"Henrik was seething at first - the thing that annoyed him most was that watches and other jewellery belonging to his wife, Emma, was taken, and they've obviously got a lot of sentimental value," Cowen said.

"He felt like it was a shocking invasion into his domestic life. The thieves smashed a couple of patio doors and took everything they could get their hands on. All he had left when he got home was the stuff he was stood up in.

"You've got to think the thieves have followed him home from the course, seen his tee time, and waited for him to tee of knowing they had four or five hours when there was no-one about. He had to cobble together some gear to play the second round - one of Lordy's tops and some one-length trousers that he had to turn up about eight inches."

Merserseyside police has launched an investigation and pleaded for witnesses to come forth with CCTV, house-to-house and forensic enquiries being carried out.. Cash, cards, electrical items, clothes and watches were stolen.

Detective Inspector Simon Vaughan said: "The Hugo Boss clothing taken is very personal to the victim and can be identified by a distinctive NETJETS sponsorship logo, so if anyone is offered such clothing, please contact us immediately.

"If you saw anyone acting suspiciously in the Freshfield Road area between these times [midday and 2.45pm] please call us. Any small detail could be vital."

Before teeing off in his second round Stenson said, in statement via his management company, IMG: "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 of my clothing for the week."

Stenson has suffered a far greater financial loss in his career. In 2009 he was caught up in the Allen Stanford scandal, which saw the American financier jailed after running a Ponzi scheme.

That cost Stenson upwards of £6m and his career went into freefall soon after. But he has more than addressed that shortfall, winning the $10m FedEx Cup in 2014 and then with his major breakthrough at the Open at Troon last year, when he prevailed after a classic duel with Phil Mickelson.