Henrik Stenson Reveals Desire To Play More DP World Tour Events
After a strong finish in Abu Dhabi, the LIV golfer revealed that he would like to play more in Europe, if he's allowed to
Coming in to the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship there had been talk about returning LIV golfers, with Henrik Stenson making his first appearance in a DP World Tour event since he joined the LIV Golf circuit and, with it, lost the European Ryder Cup captaincy.
Speaking on Thursday, the Swede stated that he hadn't had anyone "step up to him personally and vent those thoughts" around leaving for LIV Golf, with Stenson finishing in a tie for 20th at 10-under-par. Now though, after shooting a final round 66 at Yas Links, the 46-year-old has revealed that he could see himself playing in Europe "more often than in past years if it turns out I can".
Stenson's hopes though will fall on a court case in February, with LIV golfers set to find out whether they are allowed to compete on the DP World Tour going forward.
Speaking to Golf Digest on Sunday, Stenson stated: "“I’ll be watching the arbitration case with interest," before adding “I’m not going to guess on the result. But it will be interesting to see what comes after it. I still want to play on this tour. In my mind, nothing has changed from when I started playing on multiple tours.
"I’ve always supported Europe. It’s been a big part of my career. Nothing will ever change that. In fact, I could see me playing here more often than in past years if it turns out I can. It’s all a tangle at the moment though.”
Having lost the European Ryder Cup captaincy after joining the Saudi-backed series, Stenson also remains hopeful of potentially making the team for Rome at the end of September.
Admitting that "there will be some emotions involved for me this year," the Swede hasn't given up hope of being part of Luke Donald's squad, as Stenson stated: "If I go out and win the Open Championship again and do well elsewhere, I might qualify. It’s not impossible. And it would certainly be the irony of ironies. But until we know exactly what is happening, no one can say what the situation is going to be. I’m not a guy who wants to guess.”
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Matt joined Golf Monthly in February 2021 covering weekend news, before also transitioning to equipment and testing. After freelancing for Golf Monthly and The PGA for 18 months, he was offered a full-time position at the company in October 2022 and continues to cover weekend news and social media, as well as help look after Golf Monthly’s many buyers’ guides and equipment reviews.
Taking up the game when he was just seven years of age, Matt made it into his county squad just a year later and continues to play the game at a high standard, with a handicap of around 2-4. To date, his best round came in 2016, where he shot a six-under-par 66 having been seven-under through nine holes. He currently plays at Witney Lakes in Oxfordshire and his favourite player is Rory McIlroy, despite nearly being struck by his second shot at the 17th during the 2015 BMW PGA Championship.
Matt’s current What’s In The Bag?
Driver: Honma TW747, 8.75°
Fairway Wood: TaylorMade Rocketballz Stage 2, 15°, 19°
Hybrid: Adams Super Hybrid, 22°
Irons: Mizuno MP54, 5-PW
Wedges: Cleveland 588 RTX 2.0 Tour Satin, 50°, 56°, 60°
Putter: Cleveland TFI 2135 Satin Cero
Ball: Titleist Pro V1x
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