Henrik Stenson, who was named European Ryder Cup captain in March, has been relieved of his duties by the DP World Tour, it was announced, effective immediately. Stenson is expected to join LIV Golf, perhaps as early as today.
“In light of decisions made by Henrik in relation to his personal circumstances, it has become clear that he will not be able to fulfill certain contractual obligations to Ryder Cup Europe that he had committed to prior to his announcement as Captain on Tuesday, March 15, 2022, and it is therefore not possible for him to continue in the role of Captain,” the DP World Tour said in a press release.
Stenson, 46, had been linked to LIV Golf for several months, but effectively changed his mind following the publication of Phil Mickelson’s incendiary comments late last year, which seemed to postpone the launch of the rival league. Stenson committed to the Ryder Cup captaincy and even took an initial visit to Rome to begin planning for the job. But LIV debuted in June and is scheduled to hold its third invitation next week in New Jersey. It has paid enormous guaranteed contracts to woo the likes of U.S. Ryder Cup stars Phil Mickelson, Bryson DeChambeau, Dustin Johnson and Brooks Koepka and European stars Ian Poulter, Lee Westwood, Graeme McDowell and Sergio Garcia to jump ship. Stenson, a former British Open champ, has slipped to No. 171 in the Official World Golf Ranking.
Confirmation of the new 2023 European Ryder Cup will be made “in due course,” the release said.
Ryder Cup Europe will be making no further comment until it names a replacement for Stenson.
The 2023 Ryder Cup at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club in Rome, Italy is scheduled from Sept. 25 to Oct. 1, 2023.
Zach Johnson was previously named the U.S. team captain. The Americans won the Ryder Cup at Whistling Straits in Wisconsin in September by a score of 19-9.
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