Henrik Stenson stripped of Ryder Cup captaincy due to move to LIV Golf
Henrik Stenson has been removed as captain of Europe for the 2023 Ryder Cup in Rome.
Ryder Cup Europe issued a statement this afternoon, claiming it is due to “decisions made by Henrik in relation to his personal circumstances”.
The 46-year-old Swede has this evening confined he has signed up for the Saudi-backed breakaway LIV Golf Series and, after discussions with Ryder Cup Europe officials, the decision was made to effectively sack him as captain.
The statement read: “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 Tuesday 15 March , 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. Ryder Cup Europe will be making no further comment on any aspect of the process until that time.”
Stenson was announced in March as Europe’s successor to former captain Padraig Harrington, having made five appearances as a player before serving as a vice-captain in the record-breaking loss at Whistling Straits last September.
The 46-year-old was linked to LIV Golf even before he was handed the captaincy role for next September’s contest in Italy but during press conferences at the time he said he was “fully committed to the captaincy and to Ryder Cup Europe”.
But Stenson has now confirmed his switch to LIV Golf and will make his debut at the upcoming Bedminster event on July 29-31.
Writing on Twitter, Stenson said: “Unfortunately my decision to play in LIV events has triggered Ryder Cup Europe to communicate that 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, who have been supportive of my role as captain, 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.
“I am hugely disappointed to not be allowed to continue in my role but wish you all the best in your ongoing preparations.”
