HENRIK STENSON has been STRIPPED of the European Ryder Cup captaincy ahead of his imminent signing with the LIV tour.
The Swede is understood to be on the verge of signing up for the Saudi-backed breakaway golf series.
The 46-year-old recently held talks with Ryder Cup officials to inform them of his intention to join the controversial league.
And they resulted in him being axed from his role as Europe's skipper.
A statement read: "Ryder Cup Europe today confirms that Henrik Stenson's tenure as captain of Team Europe for the 2023 Ryder Cup at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club in Rome, Italy from September 25 to October 1, 2023, has been brought to an end with immediate effect," said a Ryder Cup Europe statement.
"In light of decisions made by Henrik in relation to his personal circumstances, it has become clear that he will not be able to fulfil certain contractual obligations to Ryder Cup Europe that he had committed to prior to his announcement as captain on Tuesday March 15, 2022, and it is therefore not possible for him to continue in the role of captain.
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"Confirmation of the new 2023 European Ryder Cup Captain will be made in due course. Ryder Cup Europe will be making no further comment on any aspect of the process until that time."
The move leaves Europe without a captain ahead of next year’s event in Italy.
Other potential captains such as Ian Poulter, Lee Westwood and Sergio Garcia have ruled themselves out having already signed up with LIV Golf.
Contenders to lead the European team include former captain Thomas Bjorn, who led Europe to victory for the last Ryder Cup on European soil in Paris back in 2018, and Luke Donald, who was a leading candidate before Stenson was named.
Stenson's stint as Ryder Cup chief comes to an end a mere THREE MONTHS after he replaced Padraig Harrington.
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LIV GOLF's CEO and commissioner said: "It's been a historic two months for LIV Golf as we've established a new era for the sport that delivers unique energy, camaraderie, and competition.
"In just six rounds of live action, we have created a golf environment that has captured the world's attention and attracted young, passionate fans around the globe.
"We are excited to take another giant leap forward at the beautiful Trump National Golf Club Bedminster where our players are eager to tee off in pursuit of the third individual and team titles of the season."
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