Henrik Stenson’s place in golf history secure, but knows LIV Golf will merit a mention

The much-accomplished Swede, who will chase his first Macau Open in October, says the breakaway league did at least help shake up the sport

Major winner, Olympic silver medallist, Ryder Cup star and briefly captain, and latterly LIV golfer, Henrik Stenson’s decades in the game come with the sort of CV that merits hall of fame discussion.

Like everyone, the Swede wonders what he will be most remembered for, and while his association with the Saudi-backed team competition will be a significant part of that legacy, there is a hope it will not be a defining one.

That might be wishful thinking. As a former co-captain of the Majesticks GC team, Stenson will forever be asked his opinions on the league, its future and how it too will be judged when the history of this era of the game is written.

Stenson described the past several years as “turbulent”, although he acknowledged any view depended “on what lens you look through”.

Even so, the changes made by the PGA Tour, DP World Tour and the growth of the Asian Tour might all be said to have been a direct result of LIV's emergence.

“I know LIV has been very popular in many parts of the world,” he told the South China Morning Post. “It’s brought top-class golf to areas that have been starved of that and had huge receptions and success.