In September, the Swedish Golf Association decided to discontinue its collaboration with Henrik Stenson, as they no longer saw him as a role model for Swedish junior golf and paragolf.

The reason for the terminated cooperation is that they believe that the LIV tour is destroying the golf "ecosystem", and that they see it as a show series and not a real sport.

"Short-term decision"

But the union's decision to stop cooperating with Stenson is now receiving harsh criticism from several of Stenson's competitors.

- It is a short-term decision from the golf association, and also disrespectful.

In the end, it is they (the federation) who will look stupid, says six-time major champion Phil Mickelson to SVT Sport.

"Isn't wise"

Former world number one Martin Kaymer is also critical.

- What Henrik has done for Swedish young golfers and Swedish golf... It is much more than what a federation can do, he says, and later adds:

- He has done so much and achieved so much.

To give him such a rough treatment for joining the tour... It's not wise, I think.

It is hypocrisy on the part of the association.

"Not real sport"

The Swedish Golf Association's chairman Gunnar Håkansson has previously told SVT Sport that they may consider changing the decision in the future.

- We change our position if the conditions change.

We mean that, as it stands now with a closed system, it is not really sport.

But if something changes, the map for us also changes, he says.

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Stars are on Stenson's side: "Will look stupid"