LIV Golf rebel Ian Poulter has rushed to the defence of fellow defector Henrik Stenson who has been distanced by the Swedish Golf Federation (SGF), despite his work backing junior and para-golf in the country.
After being stripped of his Ryder Cup captaincy following his LIV Golf move Stenson was handed a further insult when the SGF also cut ties with the former world number two. Stenson had been a proud ambassador for the SGF's Paragolf and Paragolf Tour, donating prize money from his own winnings.
Poulter, who has been an avid supporter of the controversial LIV Golf series, slammed the SGF for the decision.
Poulter posted on Twitter : "Beyond disappointing to hear this news. I actually hope the juniors/disability golfers have their say. I hope you regret this SGF.
"The greatest Swedish male golfer. The Open Champ, 2 X Race to Dubai winner, FedEx Cup champ, Players Champ. Just to name a few of Henrik Stenson's wins."
Stenson made the switch to LIV Golf earlier in the year, being paid a reported £46million to leave the PGA Tour. The switch resulted in him being dropped as Team Europe's captain for next year's Ryder Cup, with Luke Donald replacing him. He was also suspended from PGA Tour events along with other LIV Golf players.
The Swede won the Open Championship in 2016 admitted the move to the LIV Golf series was made in part due to the finances involved. Stenson seemingly justified that decision by winning the third event of the breakaway tour at Bedminster and with it a £3.6m first prize and a share of the winning team's prize of £1.3m.
However, the SGF no longer see the Swedish star as a role model. Gunnar Hakansson, SGF's secretary general, told news agency TT: "We believe that Henrik, given his involvement with LIV Golf, can no longer act as a role model for Swedish junior golfers,"
In response Stenson said he would continue his work backing junior and para-golf in his native country. He said: "Naturally, we are disappointed that the SGF feel that our commitment and financial support via the Henrik Stenson Foundation is no longer wanted. But this will in no way impact our drive to develop junior and para-golf in Sweden."
