By Rahul Banerji
Europe’s plans for the 2023 Ryder Cup were left in shambles after Henrik Stenson was taken off the job on Wednesday.
The Swede was reported to have had talks during the 150th Open in St Andrews with officials, following which the decision to replace him was taken by Ryder Cup Europe.
Stenson, 46, is likely to make his LIV Golf debut at the upcoming Invitational Series in New Jersey next week.
“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,” a brief statement said.
“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 Tuesday 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. Ryder Cup Europe will be making no further comment on any aspect of the process until that time.”
First priority
Most immediate is the matter of a replacement captain and several possible contenders are emerging even as LIV Golf amps up its recruitment drive.
On the one hand there is the Ryder Cup captaincy for which at least four contenders are being mentioned.
On the other is the continuing expansion of the LIV Golf field even if the current format limits the number of players per event to 48.
England’s Paul Casey on Tuesday became the latest confirmed inductee to the LIV Golf ranks and will play the July 29 to 31 event at the Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster.
A statement on the LIV website said, “The field includes the debut of no. 32-ranked Paul Casey, a 21-time winner as a pro who has represented Europe in five Ryder Cup team competitions.
“The English standout has annually performed among the globe’s best, having been ranked as high as no. 3 in the world.
“Casey joins a Bedminster field that will showcase 10 major champions with a combined 20 majors won, four former world no. 1 players and nearly half of its competitors currently ranked in the top 100.
“The global field represents 12 different countries, features 16 players with 10 or more professional wins and includes future stars of the game.
“Players will compete … for $25 million and the chance to become LIV Golf’s third individual and team champions and earn points towards LIV Golf’s season-long individual competition.”
Meanwhile, two more names have been doing the rounds, especially on social media – new Open champion Cameron Smith and Japanese superstar Hideki Matsuyama.
Both Smith and 2021 Masters winner Matsuyama have so far remained non-committal to the talk swirling around them.
Also read: Tiger pillories LIV players as PGA Tour comes under govt scrutiny
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