Henrik Stenson’s defection to LIV has already been rewarded with $4M after Trump Nationwide triumph

And to assume Henrik Stenson was alleged to have surrendered the prospect to steer a workforce of Europeans in a tussle in opposition to America’s crimson tide. To assume the Swede was accused of selecting money over a shot at glory.

Seems he can have each. Effectively, kind of.

It has been lower than two weeks, however Stenson’s provocative defection to LIV Golf – which value him the captaincy of Europe’s Ryder Cup workforce – has already been repaid with $4million (£3.6m) in prize cash after he received the third instalment of this breakaway in Bedminster.

To place that in starker phrases nonetheless: on Sunday Stenson earned practically 24 occasions what he revamped 13 PGA Tour occasions this season – $184,317 (£151,500).

The 46-year-old, who had not received a event since 2019, completed two photographs away from Matthew Wolff and Dustin Johnson after a final-round 69 to complete 11-under at Donald Trump’s New Jersey course.

That alone was price $4m (£3.3m). He may have received $750,000 (£616,000) extra, had his ‘Majesticks’ not misplaced out to ‘4 Aces’.

The Swede earned practically 24 occasions what he revamped 13 PGA Tour occasions this season

The 46-year-old completed two photographs away from Matthew Wolff and Dustin Johnson (pictured)

Stenson recommended all the controversy and emotion of the previous 11 days had stoked a fireplace inside him forward of this LIV debut.

‘I feel there might need been a bit bit of additional motivation in there this week,’ he mentioned. ‘After we as gamers have that, I feel we are able to carry out the great things. I definitely did that this week.’ 

‘It has been a little bit of a curler coaster, no query. Now it is about trying ahead, for me at the least, I am tremendous proud with the main target I managed to have this week… to return out and grind it out like I did during the last three days and to take a seat right here because the winner.’

‘I assume we are able to agree I performed like a captain,’ Stenson added after his win. 

It was crimson vs blue atop LIV’s workforce leaderboard on Sunday however 4 Aces (match with crimson emblem and 4 People) pipped Majesticks’ bunch of Ryder Cup veterans – Stenson, captain Lee Westwood and Ian Poulter. Oh, and Sam Horsfield to finish the European fourball.

In order that they needed to accept $375,000 (£308,000) apiece. Little doubt Stenson’s $49m signing on payment will soften the blow.

These numbers underscore the grubby excesses of golf’s insurgent tour, the place sport has usually been swallowed by spats over Saudi Arabia and costly washing machines. 

The Majesticks workforce that includes Stenson, Lee Westwood (second left), Ian Poulter (left) and Sam Horsefield (proper) have been pipped within the workforce competitors by Dustin Johnson’s all-American workforce

Former president Donald Trump turned the event at his Bedminster course right into a rally

By no means extra so than right here, the place households of 9/11 victims protested and Trump turned this event right into a political rally over 54 holes. 

Among the golf apart, it was all quite vulgar as soon as extra. For a lot of, no sum of money or wins may ever vindicate Stenson’s determination. For LIV, nonetheless, this was the proper climax. They did not poach Stenson to win tournaments. Solely to show they may. 

By no means would Greg Norman and Co have anticipated a lot bang for his or her buck so rapidly. Stenson hasn’t accomplished too badly both.

And so, Europe’s deposed captain took his spot on the rostrum alongside Trump. One other exceptional picture so as to add to the already bulging assortment from this weekend and from this gaudy enterprise. 

Greg Norman and Co wouldn’t have anticipated a lot bang for his or her buck so rapidly

Europe’s deposed captain took his spot on the rostrum in one other exceptional picture