This follows the announcement on Wednesday by Ryder Cup Europe organizers that Henrik Stenson will not lead the home team in Italy the following year, stating in a release that Stenson's captaincy "has been brought to an immediate stop."
It has become evident that Henrik will not be able to meet some contractual responsibilities to Ryder Cup Europe that he had undertaken before his announcement as captain due to his decisions regarding his circumstances. Therefore, he cannot continue as captain.
A few hours after the announcement on Wednesday, the 46-year-old Stenson, who was introduced as Europe's 2023 captain in mid-March, disclosed that he had decided to join LIV Golf, starting with the competition at Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, New Jersey, the following week. Stenson asserted that LIV had been supportive of his job as captain and that special preparations had been made to ensure that, had he been permitted to retain his leadership, he could meet both responsibilities.
While I disagree with this choice, I accept it, for the time being, Stenson remarked. "I have great respect and appreciation for the Ryder Cup and the people that organize it because I know they are working hard to promote the historic competition.
To get ready for Rome in 2023, I want to thank everyone I've worked with so far. I'm depressed that I can't continue in my position, but I wish you well with the rest of your planning. It is regrettable to see the severe ambiguity around the Ryder Cup, including who will be allowed to compete. I genuinely hope that the tours and their players can quickly agree and that the Ryder Cup may catalyze reconciliation between the various golfing organizations and their members.
Although Stenson's captain's contract reportedly stated that he could not support or promote "other properties," which included other tours, leagues, series, or competitions, Ryder Cup Europe has yet to ban players who have defected to play in the Saudi-sponsored rival league.
In response to these legal obligations, Stenson stated in March: "There has been a lot of back and forth conjecture, but I am dedicated to the captaincy, Ryder Cup Europe, and the task at hand. The captain signs a contract. The only person that does that is him. Vice captains and players don't.
However, the agreements are between the captain and Ryder Cup Europe, so I am fully dedicated to my position as captain and making a lot of effort to get the outcome we want in Rome.
However, according to Stenson, the format, schedule, and player caliber were also important considerations. "A portion of my decision to compete in LIV golf events has been commercially driven," he added.
I'm dedicated to developing the game and making it a positive influence in society.
Ryder Cup Europe stated that it will not make any additional comments "on any aspect of the process until that time" and that it would confirm the appointment of its new captain "in due course."
Regarding a possible replacement, Ian Poulter, Lee Westwood, and Graeme McDowell were once thought to be solid choices to lead teams in the future, but all three have since signed with LIV. There are other candidates, including Luke Donald, Paul Lawrie, and possibly Thomas Bjorn, one of Stenson's vice-captains from the past.
Padraig Harrington, the captain from the previous year, stated earlier this month that he didn't see himself leading another team.
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