Swedish golfer is alleged to be joining the LIV Golf Invitational Series
20 July 2022 - 16:52
byShrivathsa Sridhar
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Henrik Stenson of Sweden. Picture: ANDREW REDINGTON / GETTY IMAGES
Sweden’s Henrik Stenson was stripped of his Team Europe Ryder Cup captaincy on Wednesday amid speculation in the media that he is set to join the lucrative LIV Golf Invitational Series.
The 2016 British Open champion helped Europe to victory in three of his five Ryder Cup appearances as a player, including the last home tournament at Le Golf National in 2018.
Stenson was also vice-captain to Padraig Harrington at Whistling Straits last year and was set the task of regaining the trophy after Europe’s record 19-9 defeat to the US team in Wisconsin.
“In the light of decisions made by Henrik in relation to his personal circumstances, it has become clear he will not be able to fulfil certain contractual obligations to Ryder Cup Europe,” Ryder Cup Europe said in a statement.
“And it is therefore not possible for him to continue in the role of captain. Confirmation of the new 2023 European Ryder Cup Captain will be made in due course.”
The Marco Simone Golf & Country Club in Rome will host the next edition of the biennial event starting in September next year.
Sky Sports reported on Tuesday that Stenson would become the latest to join the list of players who have signed up for the LIV Golf Invitational Series.
The likes of six-times Major champion Phil Mickelson, former world No 1s Dustin Johnson and Brooks Koepka and former US Open champion Bryson DeChambeau have all already joined.
Bankrolled by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, LIV Golf held its first event in London last month which was won by SA’s Charl Schwartzel, who pocketed the $4m prize, the biggest pay cheque in golf history.
Critics of the new series say it amounts to “sports washing” by a nation trying to improve its reputation in light of its history of human rights abuses.
Support our award-winning journalism. The Premium package (digital only) is R30 for the first month and thereafter you pay R129 p/m now ad-free for all subscribers.
Stenson removed as Team Europe Ryder Cup captain
Swedish golfer is alleged to be joining the LIV Golf Invitational Series
Sweden’s Henrik Stenson was stripped of his Team Europe Ryder Cup captaincy on Wednesday amid speculation in the media that he is set to join the lucrative LIV Golf Invitational Series.
The 2016 British Open champion helped Europe to victory in three of his five Ryder Cup appearances as a player, including the last home tournament at Le Golf National in 2018.
Stenson was also vice-captain to Padraig Harrington at Whistling Straits last year and was set the task of regaining the trophy after Europe’s record 19-9 defeat to the US team in Wisconsin.
“In the light of decisions made by Henrik in relation to his personal circumstances, it has become clear he will not be able to fulfil certain contractual obligations to Ryder Cup Europe,” Ryder Cup Europe said in a statement.
“And it is therefore not possible for him to continue in the role of captain. Confirmation of the new 2023 European Ryder Cup Captain will be made in due course.”
The Marco Simone Golf & Country Club in Rome will host the next edition of the biennial event starting in September next year.
Sky Sports reported on Tuesday that Stenson would become the latest to join the list of players who have signed up for the LIV Golf Invitational Series.
The likes of six-times Major champion Phil Mickelson, former world No 1s Dustin Johnson and Brooks Koepka and former US Open champion Bryson DeChambeau have all already joined.
Bankrolled by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, LIV Golf held its first event in London last month which was won by SA’s Charl Schwartzel, who pocketed the $4m prize, the biggest pay cheque in golf history.
Critics of the new series say it amounts to “sports washing” by a nation trying to improve its reputation in light of its history of human rights abuses.
Reuters
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