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A crossroads season as former major champion Henrik Stenson eyes DP World Tour return
Ex-LIV Golf star weighs next steps in 2026 with senior debut, invites, and a potential global schedule in focus
- PUBLISHED: Tue 17 Feb 2026, 4:18 PM
- By:
- Nick Tarratt, Guest Golf Writer
Former Dubai resident Henrik Stenson appears set for a return to the DP World Tour fold over the coming weeks and months as he reassesses his competitive future in 2026.
The 49-year-old did not retain his playing privileges on LIV Golf in 2025 and has since hinted at his plans for the season following a challenging campaign, where he finished 52nd in the Individual Standings and in the Drop Zone.
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Stenson, a winner of 22 global professional titles, boasts a distinguished career that includes victory at the 2007 HERO Dubai Desert Classic, two DP World Tour Championship titles (2013 and 2014), and, most notably, the 2016 Open Championship at Royal Troon.
By all accounts, Stenson has paid more than £1 million in fines to the DP World Tour for competing in conflicting events without the required releases and is now officially eligible to return to the tour as a member after apparently serving an undisclosed suspension.
During his time on LIV Golf, Stenson was co-captain of Majesticks GC alongside Ian Poulter and Lee Westwood. It remains unclear whether he has disposed of his part-ownership in the team, and whether that would be a requirement for a full competitive return to the DP World Tour.
His move to LIV Golf in 2022 also saw him removed from his role as Team Europe’s Ryder Cup Captain for the 2023 matches in Rome, where he was replaced by Luke Donald, who went on to lead Europe in both 2023 and 2025 victories.
‘Over the course of a career, you’re going to have good years, you’re going to have bad years – it’s part of professional sport,‘ said Stenson at the end of 2025.
Stenson last competed on LIV Golf in August last year and has not played any professional golf since, further adding intrigue around his next competitive appearance.
He had the option of entering the LIV Golf Promotions event in January in an attempt to regain his card, and potentially explore opportunities on the Asian Tour, but instead appears to be keeping his options open.
Importantly, Stenson still sits seventh on the DP World Tour’s all-time money list (Category 11a), which provides access to a number of tournaments. He is also eligible to compete via tournament sponsor invitations, although the extent of his playing schedule for 2026 has yet to be confirmed.
A significant milestone looms, with Stenson turning 50 on 5th April 2026, making him eligible for the senior circuit. He has already entered the Senior PGA Championship at The Concession Golf Club (16th–19th April 2026) and is expected to tee it up on the European Legends Tour in Barbados starting on 23rd April.
Looking ahead, Stenson has the opportunity to shape a flexible global schedule, including potential appearances at The Open as a former champion, as well as the ISPS Handa Senior Open at Gleneagles, played over the King’s Course.
For now, the golfing world will watch with interest as one of the modern game’s most accomplished players maps out the next chapter of his career. There is also a growing sense that golf’s governing bodies are taking a more constructive view on players transitioning between tours, a trend that could ultimately benefit both the sport and its global fan base.
