Bubba Watson, Ian Poulter, and Phil Mickelson face the risk of relegation from the LIV Golf League due to a recent rule change.
Previously, team captains were exempt from demotion regardless of their performance, but that’s no longer the case.
LIV officials have announced that no player is safe from relegation, with anyone finishing outside the top 48 – the Drop Zone – set to be lose their playing privileges.
That’s not welcome news for the likes of Watson, Poulter and Mickelson.
While Poulter and Mickelson, currently ranked 46th and 44th respectively, are relatively safe unless things go horribly against them at this week’s Individual Championship, Watson is in a precarious position.
The two-time Masters champion and captain of the Range Goats GC is currently 52nd in the standings and has not banked a single point since the second LIV event in Las Vegas.
With only the top 24 players earning points each week, Watson must finish strong in Chicago to avoid relegation.
Relegated players will have an opportunity to regain their place through LIV Golf Promotions, held at Abu Dhabi Golf Club last year, with three spots available for next season.
It’s also possible that a relegated player could be re-signed if there is a compelling “business case” for their retention.
