Henrik Stenson has been blasted for chasing a ‘bucket load of cash’ by fellow pro Eddie Pepperell, following the Swede’s contentious switch to LIV Golf. Stenson has become the latest big name to move to the mega-money breakaway circuit, but it is arguably the most controversial yet.
In taking LIV Golf membership, Stenson was stripped of his European Ryder Cup captaincy just 14 months before the event in Rome. Following the news, the Swede has received plenty of criticism - including from his fellow pros.
DP World Tour star Pepperell hit out at the former skipper on Twitter, accusing him of chasing the mega-money on offer in exchange for one of golf’s most prestigious roles.
The Englishman wrote on Twitter: “Henrik, just be honest, it was a bucket load of cash and you couldn’t resist it, like the rest of the guys. Will always love your game (especially those mid-irons!) but what a disappointing thing to do.”
His tweet came in response to a statement released by Stenson, confirming his LIV move and sacking from his Ryder Cup captaincy. Following the end of his Team Europe tenure, the 2016 Open Champion revealed he ‘disagrees’ with his stripping but does ‘accept’ the decision. He said: “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.
“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.”
Wishing Team Europe well despite his sacking, he added: “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."
The 46-year-old switch is no doubt a bold one, and admitted the factors behind it in part included the ‘commercial’ aspect as well the ‘driving format’ and ‘schedule’. He commented: “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."
