Henrik Stenson stated Wednesday he’s signing up for the insurgent Saudi-backed LIV Golf Series, simply hours after he was axed as Europe’s Ryder Cup captain.
“After much consideration, I have decided to join several of my fellow professionals and play in the LIV invitational series,” the 46-year-old Swede stated in a press release.
Stenson stated he was “hugely disappointed” not to have the ability to preserve his function as captain for the subsequent Ryder Cup to be performed in Italy subsequent yr.
“It is a shame to witness the significant uncertainty surrounding the Ryder Cup and who will be eligible to play etc. I hope a resolution between the tours and its members is reached soon,” he added.
ALSO READ: Ernie Els says he is aware of how the PGA Tour and LIV Golf can work collectively
The transfer to strip Stenson of the captaincy will deepen the rifts within the sport, with a rising quantity of massive stars defecting to the cash-rich new circuit in defiance of the established excursions.
Ryder Cup Europe stated in a press release that Stenson’s tenure as skipper for the biennial competitors in opposition to the United States in Rome had been dropped at an finish “with immediate effect”.
“In light of decisions made by Henrik in relation to his personal circumstances, it has become clear that he will not be able to fulfil certain contractual obligations to Ryder Cup Europe,” it stated.
The assertion added that affirmation of a brand new captain for the 2023 match can be made in “due course”.
Stenson has now joined fellow Ryder Cup stars Lee Westwood, Ian Poulter and Sergio Garcia in leaping ship to the LIV series.
The US crew subsequent yr seems to be more likely to be with out gamers of the calibre of Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka, Patrick Reed and Bryson DeChambeau, who’ve all been hit with indefinite bans by the PGA Tour and can due to this fact be ineligible to play.
Stenson, the 2016 British Open champion, reached a profession excessive of quantity two on the planet however has since slumped to 171 within the rankings.
“Clearly a part of my decision to play in LIV golf events has been commercially driven but the format, schedule and calibre of players were also significant factors,” stated Stenson.
Stenson’s appointment as skipper of Team Europe in March had appeared to finish hypothesis about his involvement within the Saudi-backed breakaway series as he insisted he was absolutely dedicated to the function.
But after lacking the lower finally week’s British Open, Stenson admitted his upcoming schedule was “undecided”.
European gamers have to be members of the DP World Tour, previously generally known as the European Tour, to be eligible to compete for Team Europe within the Ryder Cup.
The tour final month banned members who performed within the inaugural LIV occasion in England for three tournaments and hit them with a heavy positive whereas the US PGA Tour banned those that made the leap.
Trump plea
Donald Trump on Monday urged golfers to “take the money” and signal with LIV Golf.
The former US president, who’s internet hosting LIV occasions at two of his golf programs this yr, stated in a put up on his Truth Social community that gamers mustn’t hesitate to desert the US PGA Tour, which he branded “disloyal”.
LIV Golf, which is fronted by Australian nice Greg Norman, is bankrolled by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund.
Human Rights teams have criticised the enterprise, saying it’s a “sportswashing” enterprise being used to spice up Saudi Arabia’s worldwide repute.
The third 54-hole LIV occasion of the season will tee off at Trump National Golf Club Bedminster, New Jersey, on July 29.
The subject for the match contains England’s former world quantity three Paul Casey, who will tee off alongside 11 main champions, together with Stenson — who was formally confirmed on Wednesday together with Americans Jason Kokrak and Charles Howell to finish the sphere.
Former Masters champion Hideki Matsuyama has been linked with a transfer to LIV Golf, with three extra signings to be named within the coming days.
Europe shall be aiming to wrestle again the Ryder Cup from the United States when the 2 groups meet on the Marco Simone Golf and Country Club from September 29 subsequent yr.
Potential substitute captains embrace Thomas Bjorn, who led Europe to victory in France in 2018, and England’s Luke Donald.