The war between the traditional circuit and the new LIV circuit, financed by Saudi Arabia, continues to tear the world of golf apart.
Henrik Stenson, relieved of his duties as captain of the European team for the Ryder Cup 2023, on Wednesday, announced in the wake of his choice to join the dissent.
" A shame "
“After careful consideration, I have decided to join several of my professional colleagues and participate in the LIV invitational series,” confirmed the 46-year-old Swede in a press release.
Stenson said he was "extremely disappointed" at not being able to retain his role as captain for the next Ryder Cup, which will be held in Rome from September 25 to October 1, 2023.
“It is a shame to witness the great uncertainty surrounding the Ryder Cup and who will be able to participate.
I hope that a solution will soon be found between the circuit and its members,” he added.
The mandate of the Swedish golfer, 46, appointed to this function last March, ended "with immediate effect", Ryder Cup Europe announced a little, while Stenson's choice to join the LIV Tour was no longer in doubt. .
A statement from Ryder Cup Europe.
— Ryder Cup Europe (@RyderCupEurope) July 20, 2022
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"Given the decisions taken by Henrik in relation to his personal situation, it has become clear that he could not fulfill certain contractual conditions binding on Ryder Cup Europe", was it also written in the press release.
Participation in the inaugural LIV Golf tournament recently resulted in the European golfers who took part in it being excluded from three tournaments on the European circuit (DP World Tour).
Being a member of the DR World Tour is precisely a sine qua non to be able to be part of the European Ryder Cup team opposed to the United States.
However, Stenson saw some benefit in joining the new circuit: “Clearly my decision to play in the LIV was partly commercially motivated, but the format, schedule and caliber of players were also significant factors.
»
Europe decimated
The first Swede named captain for Europe, he had a long history in the Ryder Cup, a biennial competition between American and European golfers formed into teams of twelve players.
He helped the Europeans win three of his five appearances (2006, 2014 and 2018) and was vice-captain in 2020. Winner of the British Open in 2016, Stenson was ranked world number 2, although he points today ranked 171st.
His appointment as captain of the European Ryder Cup team seemed to put an end to speculation surrounding his possible participation in the LIV Golf circuit.
“I am totally committed to this captaincy (…), I will do everything I can to ensure that we have a winning team in Rome”, he declared then.
Europe is now deprived of four of its greatest players, Ian Poulter, Lee Westwood and Sergio Garcia having also chosen to join the Saudi camp.
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