Henrik Stenson is making a comeback on the European tour - after the LIV criticism and teasing

Already in 2006, Stenson was involved and fought for the victory in the United Arab Emirates but lost the duel with the American Chris Di Marco.

Abu Dhabi was then the home ground for Stenson, who lived in the emirate for several years.

For most of his career, the 2016 British Open winner has started the competition year in Abu Dhabi.

That is happening this year as well, but the emotional waves that swept over the sport last year have not subsided.

Then Stenson and several other big profiles chose to jump on the criticized, funded by Saudi Arabia, LIV tour.

Verdict in February

Stenson's choice had consequences.

One was that he was immediately tapped to captain Europe's Ryder Cup team.

The legal process over whether the "defectors" will be allowed to play on the European Tour, now officially called the DP World Tour, will be decided in a court in London next month.

If the verdict goes against the LIV players, they cannot in the future accumulate ranking points to be considered for the Ryder Cup, which will be played outside Rome from September 29 to October 1 this year.

This week's games in Abu Dhabi and next week's in Dubai could be Stenson's last visit to the European Tour for a long time.

Luke Donald, who replaced Stenson as Europe's captain, says in an interview with The Telegraph that Stenson's presence in Abu Dhabi could be uncomfortable for the 46-year-old Swede.

- Potentially.

It's just a weird situation right?

But he's obviously playing, so it seems he thinks it feels good to be around.

- From my point of view, it will be good this week, says Donald.

Several LIV stars in Abu Dhabi

Stenson is one of several LIV players in Abu Dhabi.

Lee Westwood, Ian Poulter, Patrick Reed, Bernd Wiesberger and Richard Bland are also in attendance.

Stenson tees off early on Thursday morning, Swedish time, and goes in the same ball as the Dane Søren Kjeldsen and the Englishman Paul Waring.

Other Swedes in the starting field are Alex Norén, Joakim Lagergren, Sebastian Söderberg, Marcus Kinhult, Alexander Björk, Mikael Lindberg and Jens Dantorp.