Henrik Stenson has spoken out with a message on social media after he was sensationally stripped of the Europe Ryder Cup captaincy.
The decision came after his defection to the controversial Saudi-backed LIV Golf series was confirmed. Stenson had been announced as Padraig Harrington’s successor back in March as captain, with Europe looking to regain the Ryder Cup in Italy next year.
The Swedish golf star’s move to LIV Golf could also be followed by another two big name golfers jumping to a series that has led to all out civil war within the sport. The offer to Stenson, thought to be in the region of £40million is widely viewed as a direct attempt from Greg Norman, LIV Golf’s CEO, to disrupt the iconic team event.
"Ryder Cup Europe today confirms that Henrik Stenson's tenure as captain of Team Europe for the 2023 Ryder Cup at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club in Rome, Italy from September 25 to October 1, 2023, has been brought to an end with immediate effect," a Ryder Cup Europe statement read, as it was issued earlier today.
Now Stenson has taken to Twitter to share his disagreement with the decision to remove the captaincy from him.
“As many of you will have already seen, unfortunately my decision to play in LIV events has triggered Ryder Cup Europe to communicate that it is not possible for me to continue my role as Ryder Cup Captain,” he said. “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 the decision, for now it is a decision that I accept. I have huge respect and admiration for the Ryder Cup and those individuals behind it who I know are doing their utmost to act in the best interests of the historic event. I want to thank everyone I have worked with to date to prepare for Rome in 2023, I am hugely disappointed to not be allowed to continue in my role but wish you all the best in your ongoing preparations."
Stenson went on to explain some of the key factors that led to his decision to join the controversial series, which has helped bring golf into a state of civil war.
"In closing, clearly a part of my decision to play in LIV Golf events has been commercially driven but the format, schedule and calibre of player were also significant factors. I am committed to growing the game and using the game as a force for good."
The 46-year-old also said that he hoped there would be a "resolution between the tours and its members" amid the ongoing saga of players jumping to the series and a number of departures from the established PGA Tour and DP World Tour.
In making his decision to join the Saudi-backed series, Stenson joins Ryder Cup veterans Lee Westwood and Ian Poulter in making the switch. Westwood had previously stated he hoped the decision would not prevent him from competing in the Ryder Cup in future.
Earlier today, LIV Gold had announced 45 of the 48 names who will be competing in their third event in Bedminster, New Jersey, from July 29-31. It is almost certain that Stenson will be filling one of the three vacant spots but there is still apprehension over who would fill the final two vacancies.
Speculation is mounting that newly crowned Open champion Cameron Smith could be one of those defecting, after he refused to rule out a move after capturing the Claret Jug. There is also speculation mounting about an approach from Norman to former Masters champion Hideki Matsuyama.
Luke Donald is amongst the early favourites with the bookmakers to become the new Europe Ryder Cup captain. Robert Karlson and Thomas Bjorn - who oversaw victory in Paris in 2018 - are also being considered likely candidates.
