Henrik Stenson vs Croc. Stenson wins.

• Open champ Henrik Stenson prods ‘gator in Rio
• Swede jabbed at Cayman with one of his clubs
• Twitter users can’t believe their eyes

We’ve seen him snap clubs across his knee, strip down to his boxers to play a shot and card one of the great rounds in Open history to win the Claret Jug just five weeks ago. But today, Henrik Stenson did something we’ve never seen him do: pick a fight with an crocodile.

Playing in the third round of the men’s Olympic Golf tournament in Rio de Janeiro – where remains in contention for a medal – the 40-year-old Swede made a bee-line for a Cayman resting in one of the on-course lakes.

Then, in truly bizarre scenes, he POKED it with one of his golf clubs before walking away as if it was the most normal thing in the world.

Don’t believe us? Watch the footage here:

Stenson in Rio. @CBCOlympics @CBCScottRussell @henrikstenson pic.twitter.com/JV4pgejnDR

— Joel Darling (@JWD99) August 13, 2016

What. The. Hell?

Saying that, we probably shouldn’t be too surprised; this is the same guy who said who was more scared of bears than mosquitoes when asked about taking part in the Rio despite the ‘threat’ of the Zika virus. Although on today’s evidence, bears probably don’t scare him that much either.

Naturally, Twitter users were quick to react to the Swede’s antics…

Henrik Stenson poking that alligator has made my day

— Jack Whittle (@JackkWhittle) August 13, 2016

Henrik Stenson cares not about your alligators.

— Dan Hauser (@DanHauserGolf) August 13, 2016

@GolfChannel @henrikstenson better watch out this can happen! pic.twitter.com/fPepmquwqb

— Trent Marshall (@TrentMarshall2) August 13, 2016

@henrikstenson Not sure this is proper attire for golf but hey who knows! #riogolf2016 #Rio2016 #mickdundee pic.twitter.com/lu9gSqZCXS

— ND IRISH FAN (@goldenteechamp) August 13, 2016

That’s one crazy Swede! @henrikstenson

— donthasslerhoff (@DonthassleRHoff) August 13, 2016

@GolfChannel @henrikstenson You will be playing in the handicap tour missing a foot or leg. That was really reckless and stupid!

— John (@golfie1) August 13, 2016

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Henrik Stenson: How he won the Open

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Michael McEwan is the Deputy Editor of bunkered and has been part of the team since 2004. In that time, he has interviewed almost every major figure within the sport, from Jack Nicklaus, to Rory McIlroy, to Donald Trump. The host of the multi award-winning bunkered Podcast and a member of Balfron Golfing Society, Michael is the author of three books and is the 2023 PPA Scotland 'Writer of the Year' and 'Columnist of the Year'. Dislikes white belts, yellow balls and iron headcovers. Likes being drawn out of the media ballot to play Augusta National.

Deputy Editor