Henrik Stenson has joined the LIV Golf series after stepping down as Europe’s Ryder Cup captain. The Swede, 46, was sacked from Ryder Cup Europe on Wednesday morning and later released a statement confirming his participation in the controversial Saudi-backed breakaway event. He said he disagreed with the decision to remove him as captain, but that “for now it’s a decision I accept.” Stenson, the 2016 Open winner, was named captain in March. “Unfortunately my decision to play in LIV events has caused Ryder Cup Europe to communicate that it is not possible for me to continue in my role as Ryder Cup captain,” Stenson said. “This is despite the fact that I made specific arrangements with LIV Golf, who supported my role as captain, to ensure that I could fulfill my captaincy duties.” He added: “I am very disappointed not to be allowed to continue in my role, but I wish you all the best in your ongoing preparations.” Earlier on Wednesday, Ryder Cup Europe said it was not possible for Stenson to continue in his role and his tenure would end with “immediate effect”. Ryder Cup Europe added that the decision had been made “in light of decisions made by Henrik in relation to his personal circumstances” and that it had “become clear” that he “would not be able to fulfill certain contractual obligations to Ryder Cup Europe “. Former Ryder Cup captain Padraig Harrington says Stenson’s departure will not affect Europe’s preparations for next year’s event in Rome. “We knew it was coming, in a way, and we’ve been planning it for the last 10 days,” Harrington, who will be part of the reconvened committee to choose a replacement, told Sky Sports. “It gives us plenty of time, in terms of 15 months to get our ducks in a row. “We are already talking about when we will meet to elect the next leader. It really isn’t going to interfere with the Ryder Cup in any way shape or form. “I wish he had waited 15 months. Everyone has to make the right financial decision for themselves.” Stenson had been linked with the new LIV series before he was announced as Ryder Cup captain in 2023, saying at the time: “There have been a lot of rumors and speculation in the media for a long time. “And, as I said on the panel and at Ryder Cup Europe, I’m fully committed to that, to be the captain, to bring the best result I can with the team. He’s focused on that – and with a full swing to Rome. “There’s a captains agreement that every captain signs and I’ve signed one of those as well. I think actions speak louder than words.” Denmark’s Thomas Bjorn and England’s Luke Donald are among the favorites to replace Stenson for next year’s Ryder Cup at Italy’s Marco Simone Golf Club. The PGA Tour has suspended some of its members who played in the two inaugural LIV Golf events. Former Masters champion Hideki Matsuyama could join the line-up, with three more top players to be named in the coming days. Paul McGinley, who captained Europe to victory in the 2014 Ryder Cup, said Stenson was “not going to come out of this good”. “He’s doing it for money,” he said. “I’m sure this was not an easy decision for him. But, in the end, he made this decision. It’s something that disappoints me. But I can understand. “I’m not going to judge any of the guys that have gone to LIV. They have been offered huge sums of money. “For Henrik, it’s life-changing at this stage of his career. It’s unlikely he’ll ever earn that kind of money in the future. But is he doing it to revolutionize a game that needs to be changed? No. “I’ve had a great relationship with him as a captain and as a player over the years. So I’m not going to blame him for making a judgment call. Everyone’s entitled to their own view on things. But this is incredibly disappointing for the Ryder Cup. There’s no doubt about it.” Meanwhile, 2010 Ryder Cup captain Colin Montgomerie said: “It’s a very sad day for European golf.”
“Stenson undoubtedly left Europe in the lurch” – Analysis
Iain Carter, BBC Golf Correspondent
Why would LIV want to shell out millions for the world’s 171st-ranked player, who hasn’t cracked the top-10 in a full-court event in nearly a year? The answer, of course, was Stenson’s status as Ryder Cup captain. It made him a prime target and LIV’s recruitment of the veteran Swede can only be interpreted as a direct attack on the DP World Tour. It further destabilizes the operation of elite men’s golf. There will be anger among members of the European Tour that Stenson has reneged on his pledge of allegiance when he signed a contract just last March to lead Europe to the next Ryder Cup. LIV has already unseated an expected succession of European captains – Lee Westwood, Ian Poulter, Sergio Garcia, Graeme McDowell and now Stenson. All are Ryder Cup legends who have influenced millions of Saudis. Stenson has undoubtedly left Europe in the lurch and the 2016 Open champion’s previously stellar image will be severely tarnished in the eyes of many observers. Europe must now find a new captain, with Thomas Bjorn, Luke Donald and Paul Lawrie the most likely candidates. Whoever takes over will be part of a Ryder Cup threatened with the prospect of being seriously compromised. LIV, meanwhile, is gathering momentum. Stenson is one of three expected new recruits, with much speculation that 2021 Masters winner Hideki Matsuyama, the biggest name in Asian golf, will also be among them. Open champion Cameron Smith has done nothing to ease speculation that he will retire, but that could happen after the FedEx and Presidents Cups later this year.
