Report: Relegated LIV Golf player confirms future plans

Henrik Stenson has decided to return to the DP World Tour after being relegated from the LIV Golf League, according to a report. 

The former Open champion was among the first wave of players that were recruited by the PIF-backed league when it first launched in 2022. 

Stenson's decision to link up with Lee Westwood and Ian Poulter on the Majesticks outfit saw him stripped of the Ryder Cup captaincy and replaced by Luke Donald. 

It did not take the Swede too long to enter the winner's circle on LIV and in the immediate aftermath of victory he memorably decided to take a shot at Ryder Cup officials. 

Stenson declared he "played like a captain" but he has since struggled for form and endured a nightmare campaign this season, finishing 49th in the individual standings. 

His best finish was a share of 12th place in Adelaide and, across 13 events, only cracked the top 20 once. 

Stenson was relegated alongside Andy Ogletree, Mito Pereira, Yubin Jang, Frederik Kjettrup and former PGA Tour star Anthony Kim. 

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In the past, LIV team captains have been exempt from relegation but the breakaway tour changed the rules this year to help with their renewed bid for world ranking accreditation.

Stenson did not outline his future plans to reporters when he was relegated, only saying that he would "deal with the disappointment". 

It was assumed he would head to the Asian Tour in 2025/2026 and try and earn his spot back via the International Series. 

The top two players in the 10-event series earn spots on LIV for the following season. 

Alternatively, Stenson had the opportunity to win his space back via their qualifying school tournament next January in the United States. 

But according to bunkered, the 49-year-old has decided to apply to get his DP World Tour membership back. The publication report his fines of $1m have been settled.

It is also assumed that Stenson did not settle his fines out of his own pocket. 

Several players - such as Richard Bland - have revealed that beyond 31 December, LIV players wishing to retain DP World Tour membership would have to settle fines on their own. 

Stenson was a member of the DP World Tour for 23 years before he resigned from the circuit. His last event was the 2023 Dubai Desert Classic. 

He played one major championship this year, The Open at Royal Portrush, and finished in a tie for 45th. 

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