Henrik Stenson admits Ryder Cup captaincy now unlikely to happen

Former Open champion Henrik Stenson appears to believe there is zero chance he will ever become the European Ryder Cup captain. 

The Swede has represented the blue and gold in multiple Ryder Cups, amassing an impressive overall record of 10-7-2 in the biennial matches. 

He even served as a vice-captain for Padraig Harrington at the 2021 Ryder Cup in Wisconsin before being handed the top job.

His move to LIV Golf in 2022 sent shockwaves through the sport and it even led to the now 47-year-old being stripped of the captaincy altogether. 

Former World No.1 Luke Donald was the beneficiary of Stenson's move and is now being heralded as Europe's greatest captain of all time. 

Europe's victory over the United States in September meant Donald became only the second man to lead Europe to home and away victories after Tony Jacklin in 1985 and 1987.

In recent weeks there has been speculation as to whether Donald will agree to stay on in the role and lead Europe for a third time when the matches head to Ireland in 2027.

It is understood Donald has been given a period of time to make his choice. 

Should Donald turn down the role then there is an expectation that former Open champion Francesco Molinari will step into the role. 

Francesco is the older brother of Europe's stats guru Edoardo. 

Edoardo successfully predicted the 15-13 result, although he joked that was more to do with luck than anything. 

Justin Rose has also been touted and has made it clear that he wants the job, though he will most definitely harbour aspirations to be involved as a player at Adare Manor.

Stenson, who was relegated from LIV Golf this season, may privately hope that bridges can be built between himself and those at Ryder Cup Europe HQ. 

But he has told the Palm Beach Post that it is unlikely to happen. 

"It'd be interesting to see where we end up in Europe," he told the publication. 

"The European side has been probably more kind of fractured than the US side [by LIV Golf] to a degree because the [PGA Tour] is not as heavily involved in the US side of the Ryder Cup. It's the PGA of America. In Europe, the European Tour and Ryder Cup Europe is kind of more within one body.

"So the whole kind of split and fraction with LIV (is) more prominent in Europe than it to a degree turned out to be in the US, even if it's been affected on both sides."

Stenson's comments contrast with former US Open champion Graeme McDowell. 

McDowell also joined LIV Golf in 2022 and resigned his DP World Tour membership. 

The Irishman settled his fines before he walked out the door but is still hopeful that he could be considered for the captaincy. 

In a wide-ranging interview with bunkered, McDowell said he would love to be the "olive branch" that puts "some of this back together again". 

"It's on my mind, but being honest with you, I don't know what to do about it," McDowell told the publication. 

"I don't know whether it should be on my mind at all, as in if it's something that’s not possible politically. If that's the case, clearly I'll be disappointed, but I'll obviously understand why. 

"The world is where it is. People will say I'll get what I deserve, which, you know, I'm not really sure I totally agree with that, right?

"People will say I don't deserve it and I'm responsible for a lot of what's happened. But I'm a very, very small cog in this big wheel."