Ian Poulter shares strong view on Henrik Stenson's split with Swedish Golf Fed.
Henrik Stenson "can no longer act as a role model for Swedish junior golfers" according to Gunnar Hakansson of the Swedish Golf Federation.
LIV Golf player Ian Poulter described the Swedish Golf Federation separating ties with Henrik Stenson as "beyond disappointing."
The Englishman, a long-time friend of Stenson having shared many fairways with him down the years, posted a tweet in response to the story that the federation had ended their relationship with the 2016 Open champion.
"Beyond disappointing to hear this news. I actually hope the Juniors/Disability golfers have their say. I hope you regret this SGF. The greatest Swedish male golfer. The Open Champ, 2 X Race to Dubai winner, FedEx Cup champ, Players Champ. Just to name a few of @henrikstenson wins," he said.
The 46-year-old vowed to keep working with junior golfers and disabled players in Sweden despite expressing disappointment at the split.
Beyond disappointing to hear this news. I actually hope the Juniors/Disability golfers have their say.
I hope you regret this SGF
The greatest Swedish male golfer.
The Open Champ
2 X Race to Dubai winner
FedEx Cup champ
Players Champ
Just to name a few of @henrikstenson wins.— Ian Poulter (@IanJamesPoulter) September 24, 2022
"Naturally, we are disappointed that the SGF feel that our commitment and financial support via the Henrik Stenson Foundation is no longer wanted, but this will in no way impact our drive to develop junior and para golf in Sweden," Stenson responded.
Poulter was part of the first crop of players to join the LIV Golf Series. Stenson joined his former European Ryder Cup teammate ahead of the Bedminster Invitational where he won $4 million in a debut victory.
The signing of the Swede to the Saudi-backed series was arguably the most controversial given that he was stripped of his Ryder Cup captaincy. When he was made the 2023 captain, Stenson said, "Dreams do come true."
Poulter is also unlikely to be involved in another Ryder Cup for Europe both in a playing and captaining capacity. As he spends most of his current career on the LIV Golf Tour as well as some DP World Tour stops, his access to world ranking points is limited.
He is also still part of the antitrust lawsuit that has been filed against the PGA Tour. The 46-year-old is one of seven players remaining on the list of plaintiffs with Carlos Ortiz, Pat Perez, Jason Kokrak and Abraham Ancer withdrawing in the last few weeks.
