Criticism, loss of sponsorship and stripped of his role as captain of Europe's Ryder Cup team.

The last few weeks have been eventful around Henrik Stenson since he announced that he would be joining the LIV tour.

Which is financed by Saudi Arabia and the country's sovereign investment fund.

But last night Stenson made his debut round at the Bedminster course in New Jersey, USA.

Which incidentally is owned by Donald Trump.

Shared management

On the course, the Swede has been responsible for a successful debut round.

Having gone the first round on 64 strokes, seven under par, Stenson is in a joint lead with the American Patrick Reed.

In third place is Phachara Khongwatmai from Thailand, at five under par.

The second round of three begins on Saturday.

A victory in the LIV Tour's Bedminster event would give Stenson a $4 million check, or about SEK 40 million, reports Golf Digest.

CUT: Henrik Stenson's first words to the press after the criticism (July 28)

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Henrik Stenson's first words to the press after the criticism Photo: TT