LIV Golf have confirmed the arrival of Henrik Stenson on the breakaway tour – the decision that cost the Swede his Ryder Cup captaincy.
The 46-year-old was sacked as the captain for Europe’s bid to win back the trophy next year in Rome after agreeing to join the Saudi-backed initiative for a big fee.
Organisers have now confirmed that 2016 Open champion Stenson and American duo Jason Kokrak and Charles Howell III have signed up and will play for the first time at the LIV Golf Invitational Bedminster, which gets under way on July 29.
Greg Norman, CEO and commissioner of LIV Golf, said: “Henrik Stenson adds yet another outstanding resume to LIV Golf’s global roster of elite players.
“His career performances spanning majors, season-long individual championships and international competitions have cemented him as a leader in today’s game.
“The addition of Jason Kokrak, who has been consistently ranked amongst the world’s best, and Charles Howell III, one of the United States’ top competitors for years, along with English stand-out Paul Casey, further strengthens a field that will put on a show for the fans at Trump National Golf Club Bedminster.
“I’m excited for the third LIV Golf competition and can’t wait for our shotgun start at this fantastic venue.”
Responding to Ryder Cup Europe’s statement, Stenson, who had hoped to combine his role with playing on the LIV tour, said he accepted their decision “for now”, suggesting he may consider a similar path to that taken by fellow LIV rebels.
A group of players, led by the likes of Ian Poulter, mounted a successful legal challenge against the DP World Tour’s decision to ban them from playing in the Scottish Open earlier this month.
Stenson, a former world No2, has 21 career wins to his name and has appeared