DP WORLD TOUR CHAMPIONSHIP
LIV Golf rebel Stenson strongly denies reports over Ryder Cup captaincy leverage
Henrik Stenson has emphatically denied suggestions he accepted the Ryder Cup captaincy to gain negotiating power for a more lucrative offer with the LIV Golf International Series.
The 46-year-old was stripped of Team Europe captaincy duties for next September's Ryder Cup after joining the Saudi-backed breakaway league in July.
Stenson won his first LIV Golf event in Bedminster at the start of August, aiming a dig at his dismissal as he stated "I guess we can agree I played like a captain".
Advertisement
As the Swede prepares for the last LIV Golf event of the season in Miami, Stenson refuted reports he had used his Ryder Cup offer to leverage a more financially rewarding offer with his new employers.
"I can give you a 100 per cent honest answer that it was never the case," he told Sportsmail. "I would be willing to take a lie-detector test on that."
A whirlwind of emotions over the last couple of weeks, I appreciate all the support@MajesticksGC pic.twitter.com/unPmzmWLtI— Henrik Stenson (@henrikstenson) August 3, 2022
Numerous former Ryder Cup captains, including Padraig Harrington and Mark James, concluded Stenson could have no complaints over his captaincy removal, though he insists he does not regret his decision.
"I am happy. I thought that through in more than one afternoon. I am happy with where I am at," he added. "I managed to get a win straight out of the box and I am looking forward to next year.
"I am enjoying being with the guys on this tour. We are playing together, travelling together and it has a different vibe to regular life on tour that I did for many years. That was great. But I am enjoying this.
"I haven't played anything but LIV events since the summer, so I mean going forward I am getting the off-season I have wanted for 16 or 17 years.
"I am looking forward to that – getting strong and healthy in the gym and getting ready for the new season in February. I am happy."
Stenson will play in his final event of the season at Trump National Doral, starting on Friday.
Must-Watch Video