Henrik Stenson is set to be stripped of the Ryder Cup captaincy

Henrik Stenson set to be STRIPPED of Europe’s Ryder Cup captaincy with the Swede close to finalising a switch to the Saudi-backed LIV series… as new Open champion Cameron Smith refuses to deny rumours that he may also join

  • Swedish golfer Henrik Stenson is set to be stripped of the Ryder Cup captaincy 
  • The 46-year-old is close to finalising a switch to the Saudi-backed LIV series
  • It would almost certainly rule him out of leading the European team in Italy 

Henrik Stenson is set to be stripped of the Ryder Cup captaincy with the Swede poised to join the Saudi-backed LIV series.

In a hugely controversial move that has been anticipated in recent weeks, Stenson, 46, is understood to be close to finalising a switch to Greg Norman’s breakaway tour.

It would almost certainly rule him out of leading the European team, with the bombshell scenario unfolding just two months after he was announced as the captain for the match against the US in Italy next year.

Henrik Stenson is set to be stripped of the Ryder Cup captaincy as he looks to join LIV series

Stenson, 46, is understood to be close to finalising a switch to Greg Norman’s breakaway tour

A source at the DP World Tour, formerly the European Tour, told Sportsmail on Sunday night that it ‘remains speculation’. But it is believed his defection will be confirmed imminently in the latest prominent capture for LIV.

Stenson missed the cut at The Open and would not be drawn on his future. When asked on Friday about the composition of his forthcoming schedule, he reportedly replied: ‘Undecided.’

Amid golf’s civil war, sparked by the rebel series, implications for the Ryder Cup are immense, with the US adamant no one who accepts an offer from Norman would take part. 

The news comes just two months after he was announced as the captain for the match in Italy

New Open champion Cameron Smith declined to deny rumours he would join the LIV series

The European picture has been less clear, with Ian Poulter, Lee Westwood, Paul Casey, Martin Kaymer and record Cup points-scorer Sergio Garcia all having signed up. Garcia confirmed on Sunday he will be formally resigning from the DP World Tour.

The wider situation around LIV escalated on Sunday when new Open champion Cameron Smith of Australia declined to deny rumours he would soon take the Saudi cash. 

The 2021 Masters champion Hideki Matsuyama is also understood to be close to joining LIV.




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