It has been a whole year since LIV Golf came into contention against the American and European golf circuits. The players who defected to the Saudi-PIF-backed breakaway tour seem happy with their decision and now, a $3 billion dollar merger is also in the works. Yet, some parts of the golfing community are still not on board with famed golfers joining the relatively-new tours.

While some defectors such as Brooks Koepka, Phil Mickelson and Sergio Garcia have started to ignore the discriminating comments, some golfers are speaking out. Tired of the stigma and double standards, a former Open Championship winner takes a somewhat self-deprecating stand to prove his point.

Henrik Stenson speaks on behalf of LIV Golfers

With the Open Championship, 2023 imminently approaching, Swedish golfer Henrik Stenson seems tired of the constant mockery and bad-mouthing of PGA Tour golfers who defected to the breakaway tour. Contrary to what haters have to say, he strongly pointed out that LIV Golfers are just as competitive and they have proved their mettle repeatedly over the last six months.

Also Read: ‘Who Cares’: Golf Fans Show No Mercy to Phil Mickelson Goes Scouting Days Ahead of 2023 Open Championship

He is qualified to play at the 151st Open Championship starting on the 20th of July as one of the 10 exempted winners of previous Open Championships alongside his LIV Golf compadre Phil Mickelson. However, in light of the ongoing criticism for playing on a smaller circuit, he defended his fellow golfers on the Saudi-backed circuit with valor.

Golf Magic shared his appeal on their Twitter.

“I’m not saying 48 LIV guys have been at the top in majors but a big part of the PGA Tour has not been at the top in majors, either,” he pointed out. “LIV players qualifying for majors, making cuts and being at the top of those tournaments … if people want to keep going on another theme, that’s up to them.”

The two-timer European Tour Golfer of the Year finds it rather hypocritical that people are taking sides but not sticking to any particular stance. “People said: ‘Oh Brooks didn’t win the Masters because it was four rounds.’ Well, Phil Mickelson finished [tied] second because of a fourth-round 65. So which way are you going to have it?” he added to support his point.

He is not against any group’s belief system or their loyalty. However, he does want the public to accept the choices of the 48 golfers who chose to defect to the 54-hole circuit.

Stenson has a long history of wins

The Nordic Major Championship winner is as competitive as they come. His list of accolades include:

• The Open Championship
• The DP World Tour Championship
• WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship
• The South African Open
• Nedbank Golf Challenge

His constant drive to win is one of the many reasons he earned an exemption into the 151st Open Championship, alongside golfers such as Rory McIlroy, Colin Morikawa, and others who are still a part of the PGA Tour. He really wants the constant scrutiny and backlash on his LIV Golf companions to come to an end so every golfer can enjoy the sport for what it is.

What do you think of LIV Golfers playing at the Open Championship? Do you agree with Stenson’s statement about taking a stance? Share your opinions with us in the comments below.

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