Henrik Stenson golf news LIV Golf DP World Tour return 2026 relegation
Discover the latest in golf as former Open champion Henrik Stenson plans his comeback to the DP World Tour in 2026 following relegation from LIV Golf. The 49-year-old Swede, who won the Claret Jug in 2016, faced fines over £1m for playing in conflicting events but has settled them.
Stenson was one of the first to join the Saudi-funded LIV tour, leading to his removal as Ryder Cup captain. After a poor LIV season, he finished 49th and was relegated when overtaken by Ian Poulter.
The LIV circuit is implementing relegation to gain OWGR accreditation for major qualifications. Stenson prefers DP World Tour over fighting back on LIV.
“Over the course of a career, you’re going to have good years, you’re going to have bad years – it’s part of professional sport,” he said.
Meanwhile, Laurie Canter regained PGA Tour eligibility after a strong DP World Tour season.
Watch for updates on golf tournaments, player moves, and more in this sports news update.
Henrik Stenson’s future in golf, a tale of redemption and reclamation. The legendary golfer Henrik Stenson, once the proud holder of the cleric jug, is set to make a remarkable comeback to the DP World Tour in 2026. This decision comes after a tumultuous period during which Stenson found himself in the eye of a storm due to his involvement with the controversial LIIV Golf League. But here’s where it gets intriguing. Stenson’s journey back to the DP World Tour is not just about personal redemption. It’s a strategic move that could shape the future of golf. The LIV Golf Conundrum. Stenson’s decision to join the Saudi Arabian funded LIIV Golf League 3 years ago was a bold move that had significant consequences. He became one of the first players to venture into this new territory, but it also led to his removal as Europe’s Rder Cup captain for the 2023 match in Rome. The fallout from his association with LIIV was severe, resulting in fines of over1 million pounds for playing in conflicting events, a sanction that left a bitter taste in the mouths of golf enthusiasts. The drop zone and redemption. This year, Stenson’s LIV campaign fell short of expectations, leading him to the tours drop zone after being overtaken by Ian Palter in the final individual event. Despite winning on his li debut in 2022, Stenson’s performance in the individual standings was 49th, leading to his relegation. However, this setback has not deterred Stenson from his goal of reclaiming his place in the golf world. A return to the DP World Tour. Stenson’s decision to return to the DP World Tour in 2026 is a strategic move. The 56 player LIIV circuit is imposing relegation as it aims for accreditation by the official World Golf ranking. A crucial step for players to qualify for the four major championships. Stenson’s choice to rejoin the DP World Tour suggests a preference for a more traditional path, one that could potentially lead to a reinstatement in the eyes of the golf community. The road to redemption. Stenson’s resignation from the DP World Tour in 2023 following sanctions for breaking rules when joining LIIV adds a layer of complexity to his story. However, his determination to return to the DP World Tour in 2026 indicates a commitment to reclaiming his place in the sport. The question remains, will the golf community welcome him back with open arms, or will the scars of his LIIV association linger? A new chapter. As Stenson embarks on this new chapter, the golf world watches with baited breath. The story of his return to the DP World Tour is a testament to the resilience of athletes and the ever evolving landscape of professional golf. Will Stenson’s comeback be a triumph of skill and perseverance, or will it be a reminder of the consequences of challenging the status quo? The answer lies on the greens of the DP World Tour in 2026.
