Henrik Stenson stripped of Ryder Cup captaincy with LIV deal imminent

Henrik Stenson has been removed as Europe’s Ryder Cup captain, it has been confirmed, with news of his addition to the LIV Golf roster expected imminently.

Stenson had been set to become the first ever Swedish captain of team Europe next year, when the Ryder Cup is due to take place in Rome. A role considered perhaps the most prestigious in the sport, it is famously unpaid.

The 45-year-old, who missed the cut at last week’s Open in St Andrews, has reportedly since agreed a deal with LIV, the Saudi breakaway tournament, valued at up to $40m. It is understood that his Ryder Cup contract included a clause which would forbid Stenson from playing in the breakaway tournament.

“In light of decisions made by Henrik in relation to his personal circumstances,” Ryder Cup Europe said in a statement, “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 Tuesday 15 March, 2022, and it is therefore not possible for him to continue in the role of captain.”

On Wednesday LIV Golf announced the names of 45 of the 48 players who will compete at its upcoming event at Donald Trump’s golf course in New Jersey. Speculation has suggested that Stenson will soon be added to that list, alongside the former Masters champion Hideki Matsuyama.

Stenson agreed to become Ryder Cup captain in March of this year. In a press event, he described the competition as “sport at its very best” and said: “When I started out as a professional golfer it was beyond my wildest dreams that one day I would follow in the footsteps of legends of the game like Seve [Ballesteros] and be European Ryder Cup captain.

“I am fully committed to the captaincy and