Stenson side-steps Saudis to head 2023 Ryder Cup

Following months of rumours suggesting the Swedish superstar may be lured away by the Saudi-backed Premier Golf League, Henrik Stenson has put all that to bed after accepting the captaincy for the 2023 Ryder Cup in Rome.

The 2016 Open Champion has made five appearances for the Europeans helping lead them to victory on three occasions along with serving as Vice Captain to Padraig Harrington in 2020 at Whistling Straits.

Henrik Stenson (Credit: Ryder Cup)

“I am absolutely thrilled and delighted to be the European Ryder Cup Captain – it is a huge honour and I was humbled to get the call confirming the news,” said Stenson.

“I would like to thank the selection panel for believing in me and will say to them, and every European golf fan, that I will do everything in my power and leave no stone unturned in the quest to get the Ryder Cup back in European hands.”

The 45-year-old becomes the first Swede to be named European Captain and will looking to atone for the heartbreaking loss to the US last September.

Stenson has won 17 titles worldwide and became Sweden’s first male major winner in 2016 following his thrilling battle with Phil Mickelson where he recorded a final round 8-under 63 to finish on 20-under and defeat Mickelson, whose own 17-under total equalled Greg Norman’s Open record from 1993. Both players finishing an impressive eleven and fourteen strokes ahead of the third-placed JB Holmes.

The 2023 Ryder Cup will be played at the Marco Simone Golf and Country Club in Rome from September 25 – October 1.