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Stenson named 2023 Ryder Cup Captain: Way too Early Picks

By Sean McCann

ORLANDO, FLORIDA - MARCH 14: 2023 European Ryder Cup Captain Henrik Stenson of Sweden poses for a portrait on March 14, 2022 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FLORIDA - MARCH 14: 2023 European Ryder Cup Captain Henrik Stenson of Sweden poses for a portrait on March 14, 2022 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) /
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The 2023 Ryder Cup captains have finally been revealed after Team Europe tabbed Swedish veteran Henrik Stenson as their captain. This comes shortly after Team USA named Zach Johnson, the Iowa native, as their leader.

Stenson, the 45-year-old, has been a PGA Tour professional since 1999. The World No. 195 has won a total of 17 tournaments over his career, including the 2016 Open Championship over American Phil Mickelson. Currently, Stenson does not rank in the FedEx Cup standings, so he will lean on his leadership abilities to lead his team to their first victory over Team USA since 2018 when Denmark’s Thomas Bjorn was captain.

In Stenson’s career, he has participated in 5 Ryder Cups, owning a 10-7-2 record overall.

With experience as a Vice Captain to Padraig Harrington last year, the Swede now has the responsibility to pick the players he thinks gives them the best chance at victory.

With the 2023 Ryder Cup set to be played September 25-Oct 1 at Marco Simon Golf & Country Club in Rome, Italy, let’s take a look at some possible way-to-early selections to headline Team Europe.

Ryder Cup, 2023 Ryder Cup, Henrik Stenson, Italy
PONTE VEDRA BEACH, FLORIDA – MARCH 14: Jon Rahm of Spain plays his shot from the seventh tee during the final round of THE PLAYERS Championship on the Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass on March 14, 2022 in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) /

Jon Rahm (Spain)

An obvious selection here, but the World No. 1 golfer would be the face of the team, looking to lead in all categories. Rahm continues to dominate on Tour, leading in Greens in Regulation (76.28) and Strokes Gained Tee to Green (1.977). Look for Rahm to be one of the first picks for Stenson.

Victor Hovland (Norway)

One of the Tour’s most consistent golfers, the 25-year-old shows composure and determination each weekend and could thrive in this Ryder Cup after making his debut in 2021. Hovland, the World No. 3, currently sits 6th in FedEx Cup Standings after his T-9 finish at the Players Championship.

2023 Ryder Cup, Ryder Cup, Henrik Stenson, Italy
(Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /

Rory McIlroy (Ireland)

The 32-year-old is not new to this event, debuting back in 2010 and sporting a record of 11-9-4. The World No. 7 could provide leadership alongside Stenson and guide some of the younger players. McIlroy continues to lead the Tour in Driving Distance (326.7 yards), which could be a huge asset for Team Europe. Oh, and as one of the best golfers in the World for a while, he could win a handful of events himself.

Shane Lowry (Ireland)

Lowry may not have the accolades of the golfers above, but the Irish ball-striker has seen tremendous success in Europe and knows how to dominate the courses overseas. The World No. 36 has experience and success in International Events, most notably winning the Irish Open in 2009 and Open Championship in 2019. Lowry had a great showing at the Players Championship (T-13) and would be a steady addition for Stenson.

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While we may not see any selections come in for a while, I’m sure that Stenson will be keeping a close eye on these players as he looks to dominate the home showing against Johnson and Team USA. Regardless of who’s chosen, they can expect boisterous home crowds come September 2023.

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