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Stenson shot a two-under-par 69 in the final round of the
54-hole event to reach 11-under at Trump National Golf Club
Bedminster where he finished two shots clear of Dustin Johnson
and Matthew Wolff to collect the $4 million first prize.
"I guess we can agree I played like a captain," Stenson joked
after his win. "It's been a good first week obviously, nice to
be here with the guys and getting a feel for it. It's been a
busy 10 days and I'm extremely proud that I managed to focus as
well as I did."
It marked an impressive LIV Golf debut for Stenson, who was
named Ryder Cup captain in March, having helped Europe to
victory in three of five of his appearances as a player before
serving as vice captain last year.
The 2016 British Open champion said two weeks ago he was
stripped of the captaincy despite making specific arrangements
with LIV Golf, who he said had been supportive of his role and
willing to ensure that he could fulfill his obligations.
Stenson, who began the day three shots clear of former world
number one Johnson, birdied his first and fifth holes to reach
the turn at two-under 33 and in full control.
The Swede added another birdie at the 14th and then saw his lead
cut to two shots after a bogey at the par-five 15th but he
sealed the win with three consecutive pars.
"It was a little wobbly coming home here," said Stenson.
"We haven't finished the deal in a couple of years with any wins
so it's always a little added pressure when you are up in
contention but I did well."
Twice major champion Johnson's 4 Aces squad of Patrick Reed, Pat
Perez and Talor Gooch won the team competition for a second
straight event with a 25 under total.
This week's event marked the third in the inaugural season of
the LIV Golf Invitational Series, which in a short time has
already disrupted the dynamics of men's professional golf.
The LIV Golf circuit, which this week had 11 major champions in
the field, has lured some of the game's biggest names away from
the PGA Tour with the promise of guaranteed, big-money paydays
and a reduced schedule.
Critics say LIV Golf, which is bankrolled by Saudi Arabia's
Public Investment Fund, amounts to blatant "sportswashing" by a
nation trying to improve its reputation in light of its history
of human rights abuses.
(Reporting by Frank Pingue in Toronto; Editing by Sam Holmes)
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