Henrik Stenson has been stripped of his captaincy of the 2023 European Ryder Cup team following the 46-year-old Swede’s decision to sign up to the LIV Golf series.
Stenson, who only accepted the captaincy in March this year, will stand down from all Ryder Cup duties with immediate effect while a replacement is sought.
A statement issued today [July 20] by Ryder Cup Europe said: “Ryder Cup Europe today confirms that Henrik Stenson’s tenure as Captain of Team Europe for the 2023 Ryder Cup at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club in Rome, Italy from September 25 – October 1, 2023, has been brought to an end with immediate effect.
“In light of decisions made by Henrik in relation to his personal circumstances, it has become clear that he will not be able to fulfil certain contractual obligations to Ryder Cup Europe that he had committed to prior to his announcement as Captain on March 15, 2022, 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.”
News of Stenson’s signing for the Saudi-backed series were circulating at the Open Championship last week, but no official statement has been made by LIV Golf or Stenson himself at this point in time. It is believed that Stenson will receive a signing on fee of $40m.
Luke Donald and Paul Lawrie were both under consideration for the 2023 Ryder Cup captaincy before Stenson was announced, although it also understood that Thomas Bjorn, the 2018 winning Ryder Cup captain, could also be considered to reprise the role.