Henrik Stenson made no secret of the fact that money played a major role in his critical decision.
Major international media, such as Britain’s The Times, have reported the sums involved.
In the signing fee alone to play the controversial LIV-tor, the 46-year-old Swede is said to have earned around $50 million, which equates to more than 550 million Swedish kronor.
The news sent shockwaves across the golf world.
Henrik Stenson She chose to play on the Saudi-funded LIV Tour.
Consequently, he was denied the prestigious stint as Europe’s captain in the Ryder Cup just two months later.
International media reported him as the most surprising of the many well-known players who switched from the PGA Tour and the European Tour.
total astronomical transition
The LIV tour attracts with seemingly unlimited money from the state fund.
– Of course, part of my decision depends on the announcement, but the format, the schedule and the level of players were also decisive factors. Henrik Stenson says I am dedicated to making the sport grow and using it as a strength for good.
The Swedish golf star is reportedly receiving around $50m, or £40m, just to start the tour.
Acid answers from colleagues
Many players criticized Henrik Stenson for the choice he made.
Really crazy money. Henrik, be honest, it was a bucket full of money and you couldn’t resist it like the rest of the guys. I will always love your game, but doing so is disappointing,” British player Eddie Pepperl wrote.
“It’s good to see lawyers write in place of the player… It feels so honest. What a boring act.. What nonsense.. Thanks for leaving Henrique’s team. Great role model…”, French player Mike Lorenzo Vera wrote.
“He signed a contract that he wouldn’t, and was specifically told not to. I don’t feel any sympathy for this. I know it’s a financial decision and we’re all here to make money and things. Financially it’s very profitable to be the Ryder Cup captain for Europe, but Of course there’s better money on the LIV Tour,” former Ryder Cup captain Padraig Harrington tells The Courier.
Several million prize money
Add to that a generous cash prize from Saudi Arabia to play for.
The prize money for the first seven competitions each has a prize money of $20 million in the individual competition and another five million dollars for a settlement in the team competition.
The winner of each sub-competition will receive four million dollars in the individual competition, and the forty-eighth and final player will receive $120,000.
Thus, players who make the start are guaranteed at least 1.3 million SEK per competition.
The eighth and final competition at Trump National Dora in Miami is an exclusive team competition and a double prize of $50 million.
The overall winner after the seven competitions will receive $18 million, the second on $8 million and the third on $4 million.
With Trump’s support
Former US President Donald Trump urged players to move to the LIV Tour and believes it will merge with the traditional tours in the long run.
If you don’t take the money now, you won’t get any money when the merger happens. Then you’ll say how smarter those first wrote where they were, says Donald Trump.
Already next week, July 28-31, Henrik Stenson will play in the three rounds of the third round competition at Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, New Jersey.
Places around the world are London, Portland, New Jersey, Boston, Chicago, Bangkok, Saudi Arabia and Miami.
The LIV-tour is now closed to receive more players, although not all of them will be announced yet.
Henrik Stenson, who became the first Swede to win a major by winning the 2016 British Open, is currently ranked 171st in the world.