Henrik Stenson has confirmed that he’ll be part of the Saudi Arabia-backed LIV Golf sequence and says he’s “disappointed” to be dropping Europe’s Ryder Cup captaincy on account of his choice.
Stenson was stripped of the captaincy earlier on Wednesday amid hypothesis that he was set to hitch the breakaway tour, leaving Europe’s preparations in turmoil forward of subsequent September’s contest in Rome.
The 46-year-old Swede, who beforehand claimed that captaining Europe was a “dream” and insisted that he was “fully committed” to the crew, stated it was clear that his choice had been, partially, “commercially driven”.
Stenson, who gained the Open in 2016 and is a two-time European participant of the 12 months, will characteristic within the third LIV Golf occasion subsequent week in Bedminster, New Jersey, the place prize cash at single occasions stands at a complete of £20 million.
In a press release, Stenson stated: “Unfortunately my decision to play in LIV events has triggered Ryder Cup Europe to communicate that it is not possible for me to continue in 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 this decision, for now it is a decision that I accept.
“I am hugely disappointed to not be allowed to continue in my role but wish you all the best in your ongoing preparations.”
The inclusion of the words “for now” within the assertion go away Stenson’s that means open to interpretation.
Fellow LIV rebels, led by the likes of Ian Poulter, efficiently challenged in court docket a call by the DP World Tour, previously the European Tour, to ban them from taking part in within the Scottish Open earlier this month.
Stenson was named as captain in March and the DP World Tour, had issued warnings that any participant to enroll in the profitable LIV Golf wouldn’t be eligible to take part within the Ryder Cup.
And, after discussions with Ryder Cup Europe officers, the choice was made to successfully sack him as captain
Poulter, Lee Westwood, Sergio Garcia and Graeme McDowell, who have been all potential future Ryder Cup captains as stalwarts of the European crew, are additionally ineligble after becoming a member of LIV Golf forward of its first occasion in St Albans final month.
Stenson added: “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.”
Former skipper Thomas Bjorn, who led them to victory at Le Golf National in Paris in 2018, is already on the crew after Stenson chosen him as his first vice-captain.
Promoting him again to the highest job would appear probably the most easy choice, with the occasion solely 14 months away.
Italian Edoardo Molinari, who, alongside his brother Francesco, was a part of the victorious 2010 at Celtic Manor in Wales, can also be a vice-captain, however it might appear too massive a step at this stage for him to take over.
Luke Donald, who was pipped to the appointment by Stenson, is an alternative choice who could possibly be parachuted in.
Additional reporting by PA
Source: www.unbiased.co.uk
