Henrik Stenson resigns as DP World Tour fined LIV Golf rioters up to £500,000.

Henrik Stenson confirmed Thursday that he will not keep his map. Photo: Getty Images/Asanka Ratnayake

Henrik Stenson. European golf's surprisingly rapid decline continued on Thursday as it retired from the DP World Tour. From Ryder Cup captain to desert in less than nine months.

Earlier this week, Telegraph Sport exclusively reported that Wentworth HQ would impose a fine of up to £500,000 on rebels who joined LIV Golf and that some of the circuit's biggest names would follow Ryder Cup legends Lee Westwood, Ian Poulter and Sergio Garcia. , who dealt their cards last week after the initial penalties.

And Stenson, the 2016 Open champion, was the first out for a walk, just after the Tour announced its further sanctions.

The 47-year-old's time in the Ryder Cup was odd enough anyway: Stenson accepted the role in March 2022 before being tempted by a $40m (£32m) deal from league funded by Saudi Arabia. just a few months later, but now it's getting even more surreal.

"I just want to thank everyone on the European tour" Stenson, who was replaced by Luke Donald, said. "I'm sad to leave"

This may portend a stream of the departed. Martin Kaimer, the two-time top winner, has yet to retire but is believed to be on the brink after being told he has been suspended for eight Tour events and unable to compete in the Porsche Europe Open in Germany later this month.

Kaimer has already paid a £100,000 fine but it is understood that he will have to shell out another £400,000 if he wants to remain a member. This is not the end, as the penalties will increase as long as he remains at LIV.

The DP World Tour said in a statement: “Today, a total of 26 players have been individually informed of the sanctions applicable to them based on the specific conflicting tournaments they each participated in as DP World. Tour participant without release.

"These sanctions include fines and, if necessary, suspension of participation in the tournament.

"If fines range from 12,500 to £100,000 for each individual violation of the Tournament Conflict Regulations.

"Players who opt out of membership will not be eligible for reinstatement until they have paid the fines and been suspended. will apply from now on. Further sanctions for violating the Conflict Tournament Regulations… will be considered in due course"