Henrik Stenson has been removed from his role as Europe's next Ryder Cup captain ahead of his expected switch to the controversial LIV Golf Invitational Series.
Stenson was announced in March as Europe's successor to former captain Padraig Harrington.
BREAKING: Former Open Champion Henrik Stenson joins LIV Golf Series and stripped of role as European Ryder Cup captain. pic.twitter.com/S2aNxyiIjF
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) July 20, 2022
The 2016 Open champion had previously stated that he was "fully committed to the captaincy and to Ryder Cup Europe", during his press conference at the time.
Speculation inevitably returned after he missed the cut at the 150th Open last weekend, when he told reporters that he was "undecided" on his future schedule.
A statement from Ryder Cup Europe.
— Ryder Cup Europe (@RyderCupEurope) July 20, 2022
In a statement, Ryder Cup Europe said: "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.
"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."
Stenson now looks set to make his LIV Golf Invitational debut in Bedminster from July 29-31.
This will be the third of eight events scheduled in 2022 for the Saudi-backed series.
Additional tournaments take place in Boston from September 2-4 and Chicago from September 16-18, before flying to Asia for back-to-back events in October ahead of the season-ending Team Championship in Miami from October 27-30.
