Henrik Stenson's astonishingly rapid decline in Europe golf gathered further momentum on Thursday after he resigned from the DP World Tour. From ryder Cup captain to jungler in nine months.
Telegraph Sport exclusively revealed earlier this week that the Wentworth HQ will hit out at rebels joining LIV Golf with a fine of up to £500,000 And that some of the circuit's biggest names will follow the likes of legendary Ryder Cup trio Lee Westwood, Ian Poulter and Sergio Garcia, who handed in their cards last week after early punishment.
And Stenson, the 2016 Open champion, was the first to run shortly after Toruń announced his further restrictions.
The 47-year-old's time in the Ryder Cup hotseat was bizarre enough anyway – with Stenson accepting the role in March 2022, before being lured away with a $40 million deal from the Saudi-funded league just months later – but now it Takes even more real experience.
“I just want to thank everyone on the European Tour,” said Stenson, who was replaced by Luke Donald. “I'm sorry to go.”
This could lead to a flood of departures. Martin Kemmer, a two-time major winner, has not yet resigned but is believed to have after being informed he has been banned for eight Tour events and at the Porsche Europe Open in Germany later this month. can not play.
Camber has already paid a £100,000 fine, but is understood to have to pay a further £400,000 if he wishes to remain a member. This will not be the end of it as the fine will keep on increasing as long as he is on LIV.
A statement from the DP World Tour said: “In total, 26 players were notified individually today of the sanctions applied to them, each with specific matches played as a member of the DP World Tour.” Based on opponent tournaments, without release.
“These sanctions include fines and, where appropriate, tournament suspensions.
“Where fines were issued to players, they ranged from £12,500 to £100,000 for each individual breach of the conflicting tournament regulation.
“Players who have resigned their membership will not be eligible for reinstatement until they pay their fines and their suspensions will come into effect from then on. Further sanctions for breaches of the Conflicting Tournament Regulation Will be considered at the appropriate time.”