Ryder Cup star Henrik Stenson faces uncertainty in securing spots in specific DP World Tour competitions due to penalties exceeding £1 million incurred from his involvement with the rebel group LIV Golf.
As reported by The Telegraph, a previously undisclosed regulation indicates that the 49-year-old may no longer have guaranteed entry into events like the BMW PGA Championship, Dubai Desert Classic, and Scottish Open. This change follows a significant downgrade in the qualification criteria.
Formerly, renowned players like Stenson would have received exemptions for Rolex Series events under the legends category. However, they have now been relegated to Category 11a from Category 5, affecting their positioning in the tournament hierarchy.
Stenson, ranked seventh in career earnings with over £28 million, returned to the tour after being ejected from LIV Golf in August and serving a two-month suspension.
The revised rule not only impacts Stenson but also creates doubt for players like Lee Westwood, Ian Poulter, and Paul Casey in qualifying for upcoming tournaments.
Despite finishing 49th in the annual standings, Stenson, a past Open champion, was removed by LIV following his demotion.
Stenson acknowledged the fluctuating nature of professional sports, expressing readiness to face challenges and push forward amid setbacks.
While there is a possibility for Stenson to receive invitations to elite events or secure sponsor exemptions, a report from The Telegraph indicates that at least one LIV player was denied participation in the Desert Classic set for January.
Meanwhile, Rory McIlroy, who opted against joining the breakaway league, clinched the DP World Tour’s Race to Dubai over the weekend, claiming the Harry Vardon Trophy for the fourth consecutive year. His victory propelled him closer to matching Colin Montgomerie’s record, surpassing the legendary Seve Ballesteros in the process.
McIlroy acknowledged the significance of overtaking Ballesteros and expressed his ambition to become the most successful European player in terms of Order of Merits and season-long races, aiming to surpass Montgomerie’s achievements in the future.
