Henrik Stenson, who accepted the 2023 Ryder Cup captaincy in March, has been stripped of the role. But why is it that Henrik Stenson is to lose captaincy of the Ryder Cup 2023?
The 46-year-old Swede, Henrik Stenson, has been stripped of his captaincy of the 2023 European Ryder Cup team following his announcement that he is to sign up to the LIV Golf series. He is to stand down from all Ryder Cup duties with immediate effect while a replacement is sought.
Henrik Stenson confirmed on Wednesday evening that he would fill one of three remaining spaces at the LIV invitational taking place at the Donald Trump-owned Bedminster course in New Jersey next week.
In a lengthy statement on Twitter, Henrik Stenson confirmed he had joined the LIV tour, but added that he had tried to retain the Ryder Cup captaincy. “After much consideration I have decided to join several of my fellow professionals and play in the LIV invitational series,” he said.
“Unfortunately my decision to play in LIV events [means] it is not possible for me to continue in my role as Ryder Cup captain. This is despite me making specific arrangements with LIV golf, to ensure I could fulfil the obligations of the captaincy. While I disagree with this decision, for now it is a decision that I accept.
“Clearly a part of my decision to play in LIV golf events has been commercially driven but the format, schedule and calibre of player were also significant factors. I am committed to growing the game and using the game as a force for good.”
See also: Field Announced for LIV Golf Invitational Bedminster
Henrik Stenson to Lose Captaincy of Ryder Cup 2023
In a statement issued on July 20th, Ryder Cup Europe said: “Ryder Cup Europe today confirms that Henrik Stenson’s tenure as Captain of Team Europe for the 2023 Ryder Cup at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club in Rome, Italy from September 25 – October 1, 2023, has been brought to an end 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 that he had committed to prior to his announcement as Captain on March 15, 2022, and it is therefore not possible for him to continue in the role of Captain. Confirmation of the new 2023 European Ryder Cup Captain will be made in due course.”
The news that Henrik Stenson had signed for the Saudi-backed LIV Golf series came out at last week’s Open Championship last week, though no official statement has been made either by Henrik Stenson or by LIV Golf. But now with confirmation of the news, Henrik Stenson is to lose captaincy of the Ryder Cup 2023. Speculation is that Henrik Stenson has been offered a $40m signing on fee for LIV Golf.
Henrik Stenson failed to make the cut at the Open last week, and derives his world ranking of 171 from his Ryder Cup role. The Marco Simone Golf & Country Club in Rome will next host the biennial event starting in late September next year.
The three main contenders to take over the role now that Henrik Stenson is to lose captaincy of the Ryder Cup 2023 are Donald and Paul Lawrie, who were both under consideration for the 2023 Ryder Cup captaincy before Stenson was announced, and Thomas Bjorn, the 2018 winning Ryder Cup captain.
See also: PGA and Elysian Park Ventures Have Formed an Investment Partnership