Former Ryder Cup star Henrik Stenson is set to make a return to the DP World Tour, more than three years after he left to join LIV Golf. The 49-year-old joined the Saudi-funded breakaway league in 2022, resulting in his departure from the DP World Tour.
Stenson was named as Team Europe’s captain for the Ryder Cup in Italy in 2022. However, his captaincy was revoked when he signed up for LIV, with Luke Donald stepping in to take on the honour at Marco Simone Golf Club in Rome.
Since joining LIV Golf three years ago, Stenson has been one of the standout members of the circuit. Despite this, the 2016 Open champion lost his place on the tour, which is funded by the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia, after finishing in the relegation places at the end of the 2025 season.
According to Bunkered, Stenson appears set to rejoin the DP World Tour next season, having paid off the fines that were imposed on him for competing in LIV Golf events without permission. The total fines reportedly amounted to over £1million, which have now been fully paid, paving the way for Stenson’s return to the tour next year.
Earlier this year, it was revealed that LIV Golf had informed players on the circuit that they would no longer cover the fines incurred for not competing on the DP World Tour or PGA Tour. This change will come into effect at the end of this year, on December 31, meaning players who are still being fined will need to find the funds themselves, reports The Mirror.
Following confirmation of his LIV relegation in August, Stenson reflected on what lies ahead in his career. “Over the course of a career, you’re going to have good years, you’re going to have bad years,” said Stenson back in August, via Bunkered.
“It’s part of professional sports. You’re going to have disappointment. You’re going to have good times.
“On this end, I had the worst season out of the team, and I’m the one in the worst spot. You’ve just got to deal with it and move forward.”
The 2025 DP World Tour campaign concluded on Sunday with Matt Fitzpatrick triumphing at the DP World Tour Championship at Dubai’s Earth Course.
Fitzpatrick beat Rory McIlroy in a dramatic play-off to secure the £2.3million winner’s paycheck. Despite missing out on victory, McIlroy claimed the Race to Dubai crown for the fourth successive year and seventh time in his glittering career.
