Shakeup in LIV Golf: Who Will Survive the Winter Relegation?

Shakeup in LIV Golf: Who Will Survive the Winter Relegation?

As the 2024 LIV Golf season hurtles toward its dramatic conclusion, an air of uncertainty looms over the breakaway tour. With only five events left in the season, the race to avoid relegation is fiercer than ever, fueled by the rising tension and speculation over potential new signings. The stakes have never been higher, as the golfing world watches closely to see which players will make the cut and who will be left out in the cold.

 

Last season, the players who found themselves outside the top 44 in the individual LIV standings faced the dreaded drop. Among them were Jediah Morgan, James Piot, Chase Koepka, and Sihwan Kim, all unable to secure their spots for another year. However, team captains Martin Kaymer and Lee Westwood enjoyed a safety net, exempt from relegation despite their performances.

 

This year, the addition of Jon Rahm’s team, Legion XIII, has significantly altered the dynamics. The field has expanded from 48 to 54 players, raising the bar for those vying to keep their place. Now, any player finishing 49th or below will lose their coveted spot in this lucrative, Saudi-backed series. The pressure is palpable, and the consequences are severe.

 

Among those teetering on the brink is Pat Perez, a figure who has never shied away from controversy. Perez, who savored victory in the inaugural LIV campaign as part of Dustin Johnson’s team, has recently found himself in the headlines for his sharp critique of Tiger Woods. Frustrated by Woods’ comments questioning the motivation of LIV stars given their substantial earnings, Perez did not hold back on the Son of a Butch podcast.

 

“That’s the stupidest s*** I have ever heard of in my life,” Perez fumed. “That’s one of the stupidest things I think he has said. The incentive is the fact that last place is £120,000, first place is £4 million. You cannot win £4 million on the PGA Tour. He had a lot of guarantees. You know what, and he was the hottest thing. He’s made so much money off the course, he found an incentive to go.”

 

Perez’s outspoken nature is matched by his precarious position in the standings. Currently sitting just two places above the drop zone, he must summon every ounce of his skill and determination in the remaining events to avoid relegation. He is not alone in this battle. His teammate, Harold Varner III, also finds himself in danger, alongside Branden Grace and Kieran Vincent, who are both walking a tightrope.

 

Two-time Masters champion Bubba Watson, despite his struggles, remains shielded from relegation due to his status as a team captain. However, the fate of other players hangs in the balance. Danny Lee, Jinichiro Kozuma, Laurie Canter, Kalle Samooja, and Scott Vincent are all in the relegation zone, their future in the series under threat.

 

For those who finish in the drop zone, the only lifeline is the LIV Golf Promotions Event at the end of the season. This event offers a last chance to reclaim their spots, adding an extra layer of intensity to the season’s finale. Meanwhile, players who end up between 25th and 48th must navigate contract renewals, hoping to be re-signed or picked up by another team.

 

As the 2024 season draws to a close, the drama and uncertainty surrounding LIV Golf promise an unforgettable winter. With careers on the line and new talent waiting in the wings, the stage is set for a thrilling conclusion. The world will be watching as these athletes battle to secure their futures in one of the most controversial and high-stakes tours in golf history.