The 2023 Ryder Cup captaincy for Europe was due to be announced after the Abu Dhabi Championship on Sunday but it looks like the decision won’t be made until the end of the month. Tipped to inherit the post Henrik Stenson would have received an ultimatum from the European Tour.
Who will take over from Padraig Harrington whose the team was badly beaten by the Americans at Whistling Straits last September ?
The question is on everyone’s lips and to this day it remains unanswered. Lee Westwood, who was a logical choice, refused the role, still favoring his career as a player, and it is Henrik Stenson that the appointment committee, made up of the last 3 captains, is now considering.
Dangerous Liaisons
Problem the Swede is seduced by the Concurrent League project (Premier Golf League or Super League). Not refractory to Petrodollars, Stenson will be among other departures from Saudi International at the beginning of February with many other stars of the golf world.
Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson, Bryson DeChambeau and therefore Stenson are among the most undecided players on what to do in the next few months or years. And if it is confirmed that the winner of The Open in Troon in 2016 joins one of these new circuits, he will not be able to claim to don the captain’s costume for the team from the old continent. This is the dilemma facing the Gothenburg native today.
Björn the unlikely return
Thomas Bjorn, winner in 2018 at the Golf National could then return to service, but the other contenders are named Luke Donald and Robert Karlsson.
Since his victory in Paris the Dane has been unanimous. The rise of his compatriots, the Højgaard twins, observed last year and the advent of the Norwegian Hovland could also play in his favor.
For his part, Luke Donald can claim his 4 victories as a player and the most American of the English has officiated twice as vice-captain. In France in 2018 and in Whistling Straits last year.
As for Robert Karlsson, 52, he made a strong impression during the last two editions as vice-captain.
It had been a long time since we had waited so long to know the identity of the one called upon to avenge the 19-9 European rout in Wisconsin.
Photo ©Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images/AFP
