LIV Golf Rumors: Henrik Stenson Loses Ryder Cup Captaincy For $40 Million

Henrik Stenson is officially out as the captain for Team Europe in the 2023 Ryder Cup amid reports that he is headed to the LIV Golf Invitational Series. The Saudi-back golf league has signed some of the world’s top players to massive contracts, and Stenson is set to earn a major payday of his own.

Multiple PGA Tour members told ESPN last week that Stenson was set to join LIV Golf, and the former European Ryder Cup captain is reportedly signing a multi-year contract worth $40 million. LIV Golf could make an official announcement this week.

"In light of decisions made by Henrik in relation to his personal circumstances, 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, and it is therefore not possible for him to continue in the role of captain," Ryder Cup Europe said in a statement.

Stenson has been stripped of his captaincy just four months after agreeing to lead Team Europe next year in Rome. The 46-year-old told DP World Tour officials Tuesday that he was joining LIV Golf, according to The Telegraph.

The biggest stars who have signed with LIV Golf have reportedly ink deals worth at least $100 million. Phil Mickelson is believed to be the highest-paid player on the controversial tour with a contract worth close to $200 million.

“There’s been lot of speculation back and forth,” Stenson said in March. “I am fully committed to the captaincy and to Ryder Cup Europe and the job at hand. The captain does sign a contract. He’s the only one that does that. Players and vice-captains don’t.”

The European Ryder Cup team is expected to be without some of its top players because of their association with LIV Golf. Sergio Garcia, Ian Poulter and Lee Westwood have already competed in LIV Golf events. Paul Casey is expected to join Stenson in making his LIV Golf debut next week.

Stenson was the winner of the 2016 British Open. He last won a PGA Tour event in 2017.