Henrik Stenson says he feels confident LIV Golf players will win next month’s courtroom showdown.
Stenson, 46, is making his DP World Tour return at the HSBC Abu Dhabi Championship at Yas Links.
It marks the first start for the Swede on the European-based circuit since he was sacked as Ryder Cup Europe captain after he joined the breakaway tour.
A year ago, it was here that Stenson reportedly agreed to take the reigns for Team Europe after their Whistling Straits humiliation.
Then in March, the 2016 Open winner spoke of his pride as he was officially unveiled as the man who would be in charge at the 44th Ryder Cup.
Stenson was swiftly removed from his duties after reportedly signing a $50m contract with LIV. He was replaced by Luke Donald.
And while Donald hinted the Swede could’ve faced a potentially awkward week, Stenson told the media he was “just here to enjoy myself”.
Stenson will also play the Hero Dubai Desert Classic. A number of LIV Golf players will also play in these two events.
The Swede also offered his thoughts on the legal showdown that will begin on February 6.
It appears the legal battle between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf will be lengthy, with a trial date set for January 2024.
But the parallel dispute between the DP World Tour and LIV faces a prompt conclusion.
On 24 June, Pelley announced sanctions on all its members who played in LIV’s maiden event. They were also hit with £100,000 nice
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A temporary stay was granted by the International Dispute Resolution Center by Sports Resolutions.
A five-day hearing starting on February 6 before Judge Philip Sycamore will determine whether or not the DP World Tour can ban players.
Stenson believes LIV players will be ruled in favor of.
He told the media:
“Pretty confident and if you ask me, I think it’s the right decision.
“I guess the R&A were kind of hinting this way in saying LIV players would be eligible for the ’23 Open, and more recently Augusta National indicated all qualified LIV players can play the Masters.
“I think with everything that’s gone on, the majors are in a position where they are going to get everyone in the top of the game playing together, and that’s what we want to have, obviously as many weeks as you can on a normal basis .
“It’s never really been that way because players have been spread out along different tours and around the world.
“It is the major championships that bring all the players together, and you’ll see who is playing the best golf and they are going to get that attention, and rightfully so.”
Stenson also touched upon what the last 12 months have been like.
He described a “rocky road”. Some relationships have been strained by what has happened. Others have completely broken down.
Stenson continued:
“It’s been difficult times obviously.
“We’re still going through that. I hope we end up in a place where everything works out the best for everyone – players, spectators, tours and everything else.
“It’s been a rocky road, not just on my end the last six months. I think for the most part, people are above that.
“If you’re friends with someone, you’re friends with them no matter where they choose to work.
“And sometimes, even if someone makes a decision that you don’t necessarily agree with, or think is the right one with the information and the circumstances that you have in front of you, if you’re friends, you can look past that . That’s what I feel here.”
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