Henrik Stenson has delivered a crushing blow to LIV Golf rebels, confirming they will not be considered for the 2025 European Ryder Cup team. The former captain's revelation comes as golf's civil war continues to divide the sport.
No Room for LIV Defectors
Stenson, who was dramatically stripped of his captaincy after joining the Saudi-backed tour, revealed there's "zero chance" of LIV players representing Europe in New York. "The rules are clear," stated the Swedish star, "if you're not a European Tour member, you're not eligible."
Ryder Cup Traditions Upheld
The decision maintains the tournament's longstanding qualification criteria, which requires players to maintain DP World Tour membership. This effectively bars high-profile defectors like Sergio Garcia, Ian Poulter and Lee Westwood from future Ryder Cup contention.
Golf's Great Divide
The exclusion highlights the growing chasm between traditional tours and the lucrative LIV circuit. Stenson admitted the situation is "sad for golf" but insisted the European team must protect its values and qualification process.
With the next Ryder Cup still two years away, the controversy raises questions about whether golf's warring factions can reconcile before the biennial showdown at Bethpage Black.
