(Hong Kong) Henrik Stenson, ousted captain of the European Ryder Cup team after joining the LIV circuit, wished that this new circuit financed by Saudi funds and the PGA circuit could coexist peacefully, Friday in Hong Kong where he will play from March 23 to 26 an Asian circuit tournament.
“I hope for everyone involved that we can get to a point where everyone can co-exist and it will be a little less hostile than it has been lately,” the official told AFP via video link. Swedish.
“There have been tough times, but I think everything is falling into place and we will see where we are in a year or two,” said the 2016 British Open winner, relieved of his duties as captain of Europe for the 2023 Ryder Cup after giving in to the sirens of the lucrative LIV circuit.
“Change is difficult” in a sport steeped in tradition, said the ex-N. 2 in the world, 46, who received $ 5.5 million in earnings at the end of the first season of the circuit launched by Saudi Arabia.
Stenson also welcomed Rory McIlroy’s admission this week that the PGA’s top golfers are benefiting from the emergence of rival LIV.
The Northern Irishman, one of the PGA’s staunchest defenders in its feud with LIV last year, admitted ahead of this week’s Players Championship in the USA that the launch of the deep-pocketed contender had forced the American circuit to innovate.
The PGA Tour responded to the emergence of LIV by announcing better-funded, seamless events starting in the 2024 season.
Five-time Ryder Cup winner and LIV companion to Stenson, Ian Poulter says there is room for everyone in the world golf calendar.
“It’s always an overview and we see LIV as a complement to golf,” the 47-year-old Englishman, who will also line up at the Hong Kong tournament, told AFP.
“I like the format. I love creativity. The players and other people now recognize that LIV is here to stay and that’s a good thing,” said Poulter, who according to the press would have received a check for more than 20 million pounds to join the new circuit.