This was a walk in the park for Henrik Stenson. The navy sweater and legendary chalice looming over his right shoulder demanded a more reserved side of the Swede, and he was named European Ryder Cup captain on his first day on the job.
At his introduction press conference, Stenson, ever the stoic front-man, declared, “We’re up for a battle.” “At Whistling Straits, we saw a really good American squad, but we also saw that coming into Paris.”
The 45-year-old will have plenty of opportunities to show off his humorous skills before the bouts in Rome next year. But this was serious, especially after weeks of rumors and speculation.
On paper, the five-time Ryder Cup champion for Europe was a no-brainer. He was a vice captain in Wisconsin last year, scored the game-winning point in Ireland in 2006, and blends in well with the rest of the team.
The issue was that Stenson, along with a few other Europeans, had been linked to the Saudi-backed super golf league, and as the game’s institutions sided with one side or the other in the bizarre tug of war, the captaincy became leverage, a term used by both sides of the super league debate.
When asked if Tuesday’s announcement ended his interest in the super league, Stenson responded with aplomb: “There’s been a lot of speculation back and forth, and as I said, I am fully committed to the captaincy and Ryder Cup Europe,” he said.
Stenson, who stated that his goal was to become a “players captain,” wasn’t totally prepared, and he admitted that he will infuse his own personality into the ’23 captaincy.
He smiled as he said, “They’re going to get Henrik.” “I don’t think I’ll change all that much.” The essential thing is they [the players].”
The genuine Henrik will add a much-needed shock of levity to the matches, according to those who have covered the quick-witted Stenson for over two decades. The Ryder Cup has a habit of taking things too seriously, with the exception of the winning team’s press conference on Sunday, which is invariably fueled by an open bar and great relief.
That will not be an issue for Stenson. Even Guy Kinnings, the well-dressed director of Ryder Cup Europe, admitted that having Stenson captain the team will be different.
“We know Mr. Stenson has a finely honed, dry sense of humor, and we’re looking forward to Henrik putting his mark on it,” Kinnings added.
The occasion on Tuesday largely muted such gimmick. When asked what Europe learnt from last year’s setback at Whistling Straits, he smirked and said, “Can you guarantee that [US captain Zach Johnson] and the PGA aren’t listening in?”
Then there was the time he was asked about his captaincy credentials, and he laughed and said, “I’ve been Captain Chaos a few times.” “It’s always in the locker room.”
Stenson, on the other hand, stayed within the lines for the majority of Tuesday’s introduction. It’s what the situation demanded, but it’s far from a thorough portrayal of the commander he’ll become.
The best and most recent example of Henrik being Henrik came last year at the Hero World Challenge, when Stenson and Jordan Spieth were punished two shots for playing from the wrong tee box. Because text can’t do the occasion justice, we strongly advise you to Google the exchange and watch the video, although Stenson was on point:
Stenson deadpanned while Spieth smiled, “It was only two shots each, so it wasn’t a huge thing.”
“I was wondering if we could finish 19th and 20th [in the field] and just quit after nine holes,” Stenson explained.
“He did,” Spieth replied, fighting back laughing. “He asked them if we could simply leave and go to the airport.”
“Quiet, now they’ll be like look at these people, they don’t know who’s going to hit, until they figure out who’s hitting, one guy is teeing up in front [of the tee box], and then they don’t know what tee box to play,” Stenson joked as the interview came to a close. Stenson sighed, “I think we got what we deserved.”
Henrik was at his best in this situation, making the best of a difficult or tense situation. The Ryder Cup is known for its difficult and tight situations, which is why Stenson will be a welcome addition to the competition next year.
