Henrik Stenson has been stripped of the Europe Ryder Cup captaincy after his switch to the controversial Saudi-led LIV Golf series was confirmed.
Stenson was announced as Padraig Harrington's successor in March as Europe look to regain the Ryder Cup in Italy next year.
But, following his decision to take the millions on offer in the LIV series, he has now been removed from the post with immediate effect.
"Ryder Cup Europe today confirms that Henrik Stenson's tenure as captain of Team Europe for the 2023 Ryder Cup at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club in Rome, Italy from September 25 to October 1, 2023, has been brought to an end with immediate effect," a Ryder Cup Europe statement read.
"In light of decisions made by Henrik in relation to his personal circumstances, it has become clear that he will not be able to fulfil certain contractual obligations to Ryder Cup Europe that he had committed to prior to his announcement as captain on Tuesday March 15, 2022, and it is therefore not possible for him to continue in the role of captain.
"Confirmation of the new 2023 European Ryder Cup captain will be made in due course. Ryder Cup Europe will be making no further comment on any aspect of the process until that time."
Stenson joins Ryder Cup veterans Lee Westwood and Ian Poulter in making the switch, with Westwood previously stating he hoped the decision would not prevent him from competing in the event in the future.
"Why should it be threatened? I've been playing Ryder Cup golf since 1997, and the criteria has been to be a member of the European Tour," he said. "Now, the criteria for being a member of the European Tour is to play four events. Why should they change that now?
"I've been a member of the PGA TOUR and still played four events on the European Tour, and why would the European Tour change their rules so dramatically because another tour doesn't like it or feels financially threatened? There's just a bit too much protection going on for my liking and not enough transparency.
"I think as long as you fulfil the criteria to be a European Tour member, then you should still have the opportunity to try and qualify for the Ryder Cup team."
