Henrik Stenson named European Ryder Cup captain for Rome 2023

Henrik Stenson has been confirmed as the 2023 European Ryder Cup captain for next year’s contest at Marco Simone Golf Club in Rome, Italy. The Swede was the frontrunner after Lee Westwood ruled himself out, before his potential involvement in the rumoured Super Golf League cast doubt over his appointment.

But he has now been named as the first Swedish Ryder Cup captain, beating off the likes of Luke Donald, Robert Karlsson and Paul Lawrie. Stenson, a veteran of five matches, said he was “extremely proud and humbled” to be given the honour on social media. In a 12-year span from 2006 to 2018, the 45-year-old was a part of three winning teams, amassing a 10-7-2 record.

However, the 2016 Open Champion faces arguably his toughest challenge to date in wrestling back the fabled gold trophy from opposite number Zach Johnson. Last time out, the youngest-ever American team assembled put Europe to the sword at Whistling Straits, winning by a record margin of 19-9. Stenson will at least have home advantage and history on his side, as no American team has triumphed on the road since The Belfry in 1993.