Henrik Stenson applies for DP World Tour membership after losing his LIV Golf spot. Laurie Canter secures PGA Tour card.
Henrik Stenson is seeking a return to the DP World Tour after a three-year stint with LIV Golf. The Tour has confirmed that the Swede has paid all outstanding fines, making him eligible to reapply for membership.
Stenson’s DP World Tour comeback after LIV Golf exit
Stenson’s move comes after a disappointing 2024 LIV Golf season, where he was overtaken by Ian Poulter at the final event in Indianapolis, pushing him into the league’s relegation zone. Finishing 49th overall, Stenson lost his spot for the 2026 season and is now looking to reestablish himself among the world’s top players.
His switch to LIV Golf in 2022 was one of the most controversial decisions in golf at the time. Stenson was originally named Ryder Cup captain for Team Europe, but the role was stripped and handed to Luke Donald following his LIV defection. Donald went on to lead Europe to two Ryder Cup victories, becoming a European golf icon.
Since joining LIV, Stenson has only played two DP World Tour events in January 2023. Following a legal dispute resolved in favor of the Tour, he resigned in May 2023. He has since made sporadic appearances at world ranking events, including the Asian Tour and The Open, where he remains eligible as the 2016 champion. Currently ranked 1165 in the world, Stenson will likely rely on tournament invitations in 2026 to climb back up the rankings.
Laurie Canter earns PGA Tour card
Laurie Canter has also had a turbulent few years. From 2022 to 2024, the Englishman competed in LIV Golf, earning over $5 million in prize money. Despite his success, he was replaced by Anthony Kim in 2024. Due to his LIV affiliation, Canter couldn’t immediately return to the PGA Tour and rejoined the DP World Tour instead. The move paid off: he delivered the best golf of his career and finished 7th in the Race to Dubai at the DP World Tour Championship, securing his PGA Tour card for the upcoming season.