LIV Golf’s Henrik Stenson blasts DP World Tour officials for being ‘treated differently’ ahead of The Open Championship
Henrik Stenson isn’t happy with the DP World Tour’s treatment of LIV Golfers. The former European Ryder Cup captain blasted the circuit’s officials on the eve of The Open Championship for getting ‘treated differently’ for being one of the firsts to join the Saudi-backed series.
Speaking to Telegraph Sport, Stenson claimed that several players who followed him to the breakaway tour got lenient action. The Swede claimed that he was fined twice as much as Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton, who defected from the PGA Tour in 2023. It is pertinent to note that Stenson joined the Greg Norman-led series in 2022.
The 48-year-old slammed the officials’ decision and asked if he was “worth twice” than Rahm.
Henrik Stenson said in an explosive interview with the Telegraph Sport:
“Yeah, those of us who came over early have been treated differently to those who followed. I've been told that my fine for each individual LIV competition I played in before I resigned my membership are twice what Jon is getting now. How does that work? Are they saying I am worth twice what Jon is?
It's the other way around, surely, if not more. That's a big compliment, if so. It's about people at the top not losing face isn't it and yeah, about the Ryder Cup, too?"
The LIV Golf veteran, who joined the 'Saudi Golf League' at the time was fined over $130,000 for making the move alongside the likes of Ian Poulter, Lee Westwood and Sergio Garcia. He was also stripped of his European Ryder Cup captaincy.
Notably, the early defecting golfer failed a legal battle against their prosecution from the PGA Tour and DP World Tour for joining LIV Golf. However, they failed. Following this, the European old guard decided to give up their memberships.
Stenson claims the decisions taken by the officials were done to ‘make an example of’ him for others considering the move to LIV Golf. He ended his comments by wishing “It all gets sorted.”
Jon Rahm's future in doubt as golfer fails to pay DP World Tour fine
Rahm recently revealed that he is yet to pay fines to the DP World Tour, which was placed on him for the move to LIV Golf. The Spaniard, speaking ahead of The Open Championship, noted that his eligibility for the 2025 Ryder Cup also remains a concern.
The 2023 Masters champion has not played enough European Tour events this season, which is a requirement for membership.
Rahm said, as quoted by Sports Illustrated:
“We're still in conversations with the Tour. I haven't been able to play any Tour events, so we're going to have to sort it out before I want to tee it up hopefully at the Spanish Open... My fall is still a little bit of a question mark when it comes to playing golf.”
As per the DP World Tour, Rahm’s ‘substantial’ fines due are well into six figures. The circuit made it clear that he will be forced to pay up as he continues to ‘play in conflicting events.’
A DP World Tour spokesman recently noted that the fines on LIV Golf players are placed on a case-by-case basis, which leads to different fines or suspensions for different players.