Henrik Stenson says he ‘had a conversation’ with Rory McIlroy after the Northern Irishman took a swipe at the LIV Golf player with a Ryder Cup dig.
Henrik Stenson says he ‘had a conversation’ with Rory McIlroy after the Northern Irishman claimed the Swede being stripped of the European captaincy was ‘the best thing to happen’ to the 2023 Ryder Cup team.
McIlroy took a shot at Stenson in early December after Luke Donald confirmed he was staying on in the role after the Englishman spearheaded Europe’s 16½ – 11½ victory over the United States at the Marco Simone Golf & Country Club in Italy.
As you are aware, Donald took the place of the previous Open champion upon his admission to the rich LIV Golf League.
According to officials at the European circuit, Stenson promised not to run away.
Stenson, for his part, has consistently asserted that he could have led Europe in addition to making LIV appearances.
McIlroy’s animosity toward LIV has changed in the last several months.
He acknowledged in his most recent remarks that he may have been “too judgmental” of players like Stenson and former European Ryder Cup mainstays Ian Poulter, Lee Westwood, Sergio Garcia, and Graeme McDowell for their choices to break away from the system.
Even so, he publicly expressed his contempt for people who are “talking crap” about their origins.
He said, “I don’t blame anyone for going, taking the money, and doing something else.”
“On your way out, though, don’t try to set the place on fire.”
When McIlroy seemed to take a swipe at Stenson on X, he further proved that maybe the hatchet wasn’t buried.
The Northern Irishman was deeply involved in a discussion regarding the official decision made by golf’s regulatory body to roll back the ball on the platform.
It was around the same time he had demanded a change in the rules to enable Jon Rahm to participate in the Cup the following year.
“The best thing to happen to the 2023 Euro Ryder Cup team was Henrik going to LIV!” McIlroy stated in a thread.
The aforementioned Westwood was prompted to reply cynically to that: “Nice to see the season of good will in full swing! “Happy Christmas!”
When questioned by the Standard about the jab, Stenson responded, “It’s kind of behind me right now.”
Despite this, he stated: “Yes, I did have a conversation with Rory at the time.”
He went on, saying, “I don’t think Twitter is always the right venue or place to talk about certain topics.
“Where we choose to vent about things is a decision that each of us makes.”
“My plans played a role”
Stenson also told the publication because of the time difference he didn’t watch too much of the 2023 Ryder Cup.
He was 5,000 miles away in Florida.
Although he said the result didn’t surprise him given he feels his preparation played a part.
A common misconception is that Luke Donald selected Edoardo Molinari as one of his vice captains.
Francesco’s older brother Molinari is said to have had a significant impact because of his stats department experience.
Actually, Stenson made the Italian appointment.
He continued, “It’s obvious the boys did an amazing job and built up a significant lead.”
As usual, one team makes a small comeback on Sunday, and at one point it appeared tighter.
“After two days, the outcome was as expected: a European victory.
“Every plan that was implemented proved effective and profitable within the country.”
