Henrik Stenson comes out swinging (!) in defence of LIV Golf ahead of The Open
Henrik Stenson conceded he likely wasn't good enough to qualify for the Masters as he defended LIV Golf players before the 151st Open Championship.
Former Open champion Henrik Stenson claims LIV Golf players have proven themselves 'over and over' in the last six months.
Stenson, 47, is one of 16 rival league players who will be teeing it up at Royal Liverpool this week.
He arrived at Hoylake in good form, finishing sixth at Centurion Club a few weeks ago where reigning Open champion Cameron Smith triumphed.
But as has been pointed out by critics of the breakaway tour, there are only 47 other players to beat in the field.
Related: Why did LIV Golf's Ian Poulter skip Open qualifying? "Not easy to play 36 holes"
It is a criticism that has been lobbed at the likes of Stenson and others constantly over the last 12 months.
The Swede, who was stripped of the European Ryder Cup captaincy over his decision to bolt from the established tours, thinks the argument that LIV players not being competitive in the majors are absolute rubbish at this point.
In comments to Ewan Murray of the Guardian on the eve of the final major of the year, he pointed out that 'a big part of the PGA Tour has not been at the top in majors either'.
Stenson said:
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Stenson had to watch the Masters on television this year and he revealed it did hurt a bit.
"I'm not sure I would have qualified for the Masters anyway," he said.
But he feels his game is good enough to contend this week, telling the publication he will has been watching highlights of Tiger Woods' emotional win here all those years ago after the death of his father Earl.
Stenson once again addressed his decision to join LIV. He stressed even a big part of his decision was of course related to money, but said his schedule is now reduced to nine months of the year compared to 11 when he had dual membership of the European DP World Tour and PGA Tour.
He continued:
LIV Golf players participating in the Open Championship at the Royal Liverpool:
- Abraham Ancer
- Brooks Koepka
- Bryson DeChambeau
- Cameron Smith
- Dustin Johnson
- Henrik Stenson
- Joaquin Niemann
- Louis Oosthuizen
- Patrick Reed
- Phil Mickelson
- Richard Bland
- Talor Gooch
- Thomas Pieters
- Charl Schwartzel
- Brandon Grace
- Laurie Canter
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