(Hong Kong) Henrik Stenson, the ousted European Ryder Cup captain after joining the LIV circuit, wished this new Saudi-funded circuit and the PGA circuit to coexist peacefully, on Friday in Hong Kong where he will play from March 23-26 the Asian Tour.
“I hope we will reach a point where everyone can get along and it will be less hostile than it has been lately,” the official told AFP via video link.
“There have been tough times, but I think everything is going well and we’ll see where we are in a year or two,” said the 2016 British Open winner, who was relieved of his duties as European captain at the 2023 Ryder Cup afterwards. Surrender to the lucrative LIV circle whistles.
The former said that “change is hard” in a sport steeped in tradition. The second place in the world, 46, who received $ 5.5 million in profits at the end of the first season of the circuit launched by Saudi Arabia.
Stenson also welcomed Rory McIlroy’s admission this week that the PGA’s top golfers are benefiting from the emergence of a LIV competitor.
The Northern Irishman, one of the PGA’s strongest defenders in his feud with LIV last year, admitted ahead of this week’s Players Championship in the USA that shooting the deep-pocketed opponent has forced the American circuit to innovate.
The PGA Tour has responded to the emergence of the LIV by announcing smoother and better funded events starting in the 2024 season.
Five-time Ryder Cup winner and LIV companion to Stinson, Ian Poulter says there’s room for everyone in the world golf calendar.
“It’s always an overview and we see LIV as a complement to golf,” the 47-year-old Englishman, who will compete in the Hong Kong tournament, told AFP.
“I love the format. I love the creativity. Players and other people now realize LIV is here to stay and that’s a good thing,” said Poulter, who according to the press would have received a check for more than £20m to join the new circuit.
“Evil thinker. Music scholar. Hipster-friendly communicator. Bacon geek. Amateur internet enthusiast. Introvert.”