‘It Is What It Is’: After Being Slapped With Fines Up to $93,390, ‘Sad’ LIV Defector Opens Up On His Walkout Decision

The Saudi-backed LIV Golf has found itself in hot water once again after the DP World Tour issued new sanctions upon 26 rebel players on Thursday. The new round of fines and suspensions resulted from the UK-based panel Sports Resolutions’ ruling last month, allowing the Tour to carry out sanctions against players who participated in conflicting golfing events.

The announcement, however, did not sit well with one LIV pro in particular. Despite enjoying a successful career on the European Tour, he has now decided to sever ties, surprising many in the world of golf.

LIV pro walks out after DP World Tour imposes sanctions

Since his move to LIV Golf last year, Henrik Stenson has been at the center of a series of messy situations. Soon after his move, the Swedish pro was replaced by Luke Donald as the European Ryder Cup captain. The 2016 British Open winner also received significant flak from golf enthusiasts at large for his controversial move.

On Thursday, he found himself in a tough spot yet again as the DP World Tour announced sanctions against 26 golfers who played in LIV Golf or Asian Tour events without prior permission over the last ten months. Stenson has resigned from the Tour following the announcement.

Speaking to Golf Digest, he shared, “It is sad that it has come to this. But it is what it is and it certainly wasn’t unexpected.” As a player on the European Tour, the Swedish golfer recorded 11 wins. He has also played in 5 Ryder Cups, including victorious appearances in 2006, 2014, and 2018.

“I’m appreciative of what the tour has done for me over the years,” expressed the golfer. “But they have chosen how they want to view the future. And we have obviously done the same. Unfortunately, they don’t go together at this point.” Regarding the sanctions, Stenson said it was between £50,000 and £75,000 (roughly $62,639-$93,930) per LIV event.

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He now joins the likes of Sergio Garcia, Lee Westwood, Ian Poulter, and Richard Bland, all four of whom announced their resignation from the Tour earlier this month.

Sergio Garcia resigns from DP World Tour after being sanctioned for his move to LIV Golf

Days ago, Sergio Garcia was among four LIV pros who announced their resignation from the DP World Tour. The decision also made the golfers ineligible for the impending Ryder Cup competition. Furthermore, the Tour also called out the Spaniard for not paying his outstanding £100,000 (roughly $126,000) fine. 

The four Europeans had earlier received sanctions for violating the Tour’s Conflicting Tournament Regulation by taking part in LIV Golf London and other clashing events. Prior to his move, 43-year-old Garcia enjoyed a successful career on the European Tour, claiming 16 much-coveted titles. In the past, he has also appeared for the European Ryder Cup team.

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What do you think of Henrik Stenson’s decision to resign from the DP World Tour? Do you agree with the Tour’s decision to fine the golfers? Let us know in the comments!