Henrik Stenson could be joined by two other big name stars in defecting to LIV Golf after the Swede was sensationally stripped of the Ryder Cup captaincy.
With the Swede set to be named as the latest capture for Greg Norman's rebel tour, Ryder Cup Europe appeared to get their retaliation in first, announcing they were terminating his tenure on Wednesday morning before the signing was officially confirmed. The offer to Stenson, thought to be in the region of £40 million, is being widely viewed as a direct attempt from Norman to disrupt the iconic team event.
Earlier in the day, LIV Golf had announced 45 of the 48 names who will compete in their third event in Bedminster, New Jersey, from July 29-31. It is now almost certain that Stenson, 46, will be filling one of the three vacant spots.
And apprehension is growing from within the PGA and DP European Tours over who the other two names to be. Speculation is mounting that newly crowned Open champion Cameron Smith will be defecting, after he refused to rule out a move after capturing the Claret Jug.
When asked about being linked to the rebel tour, he replied to a reporter: "I don't know, mate. My team worries about all that stuff. I'm here to win golf tournaments. I just won The Open, and you're asking about that. I think that's not good."
Speculation is also mounting about an approach from Norman to former Masters champion Hideki Matsuyama. Two-time Masters champion Bubba Watson has also been heavily linked.
In a released statement Norman, CEO and commissioner of LIV Golf, said: "It's been a historic two months for LIV Golf as we've established a new era for the sport that delivers unique energy, camaraderie, and competition.
"In just six rounds of live action, we have created a golf environment that has captured the world's attention and attracted young, passionate fans around the globe. We are excited to take another giant leap forward at the beautiful Trump National Golf Club Bedminster where our players are eager to tee off in pursuit of the third individual and team titles of the season."
Despite Ryder Cup Europe's aggressive move with Stenson, his departure undoubtedly represents another seismic blow to the 2023 competition. Ian Poulter, Lee Westwood, Sergio Garcia, and Paul Casey, all potential successors, are already ruled out having made their own moves to LIV Golf.
On the American side, Phil Mickelson, Patrick Reed, Brooks Koepka, Dustin Johnson and Bryson DeChambeau will not be involved. Johnson's absence will be particularly notable, after he scored a perfect five points from five for Team USA in Wisconsin last September.
It leaves the iconic team event already short of star power ahead of the next edition in Rome from September 29 to October 1. And it remains to be seen who will lead Europe at the Marco Simone Golf and Country Club.
Luke Donald is amongst the early favourites with the bookmakers. Robert Karlson and Thomas Bjorn - who oversaw victory in Paris in 2018 - are also being considered likely candidates.
