Henrik Stenson releases statement after being stripped of Ryder Cup captaincy

The European Ryder Cup team announced Wednesday that they had removed Henrik Stenson as the 2023 captain amid rumors that the Swede would join the controversial LIV Golf league.

Hours later, Stenson released a response to the decision.

“As many of you have already seen, unfortunately my decision to play in LIV events has triggered Ryder Cup Europe to communicate that it is not possible for me to continue in my role as Ryder Cup captain,” the statement says. “While I disagree with the decision, for now it is a decision that I have to accept.”

Stenson explains in the statement that he had made prior arrangements with LIV Golf so that he could continue to fulfill his duties as Ryder Cup captain. However, according to Ryder Cup Europe, Stenson’s newfound allegiance to LIV Golf will make it impossible to fulfill his contractual obligations.

“It has become clear that he will not be able to fulfill certain contractual obligations to Ryder Cup Europe that he had committed to prior to his announcement as Captain on Tuesday, March 15, 2022,” a statement from Ryder Cup Europe read. “It is therefore not possible for him to continue in the role of Captain.”

Stenson, 46, was preparing to be the first European Ryder Cup captain from Sweden. He appeared in five Ryder Cups for team Europe, amassing 11 career points, including three in his most recent appearance in 2018.

“I have huge respect and admiration for the Ryder Cup and those individuals behind it who I know are doing their utmost to act in the best interests of the historic event,” Stenson said. “I want to thank everyone I have worked with to date to prepare for Rome 2023. I am hugely disappointed to not be allowed to continue in my role but wish you all the best in your ongoing preparations.”

You can read the entirety of the statement below.

Sky Sports‘ Jamie Weir initially reported Stenson’s commitment to LIV as after the conclusion of the final round of the Open Championship on Sunday afternoon.

The Ryder Cup is scheduled to take place Sept. 29-Oct. 1 2023 at Marco Simone Golf & Country Club in Italy.

Golf.com Editor

Zephyr Melton is an assistant editor for GOLF.com where he spends his days blogging, producing and editing. Prior to joining the team at GOLF.com, he attended the University of Texas followed by stops with Team USA, the Green Bay Packers and the PGA Tour. He assists on all things instruction and covers amateur and women’s golf.