Bubba Watson knows exactly what it is like to be involved in a LIV Golf relegation battle, and a whole host of players face an uncertain last few weeks of the 2025 season
Bubba Watson discussed LIV Golf’s relegation(Image: LIV Golf)
Bubba Watson has admitted that there is plenty of “stress” among the LIV Golf membership, with relegation from the breakaway league looming.
With the LIV setup back in the UK this week at JCB Golf and Country Club, just three regular events remain of the current season. Plans are already in place for the Saudi-funded circuit in 2026, with those in charge confirming they will host an event in South Africa next year.
Four current LIV players, though, will play no part, with those who finish on the wrong side of the drop zone relegated following the end of the 2025 season next month.
And with the opportunity to lose a spot on the lucrative roster growing closer, those who are at risk are beginning to seemingly feel the heat.
“There’s a lot more stress, 100 percent,” Watson said of relegation. “There’s a lot more stress. Not knowing the number.
“I do know the number, but not knowing the number, how many guys are without a contract next year, so there are people that are stressed. They’re trying to get top 24. They’re trying to stay in the top 48. There’s a lot of movement.
“There’s a lot of having to step up and hit great golf shots because they know what’s on the line to be in an elite league like this. They want a contract. They want to be able to play here next year, so there’s a lot of stress out there for sure.”
Bubba Watson returned after his relegation(Image: Getty Images)
Watson knows all too well what relegation can feel like, after he finished inside the drop zone following the end of the 2024 season. He was, however, given a reprieve back onto the roster for 2025, after fighting his corner with a “business case” as captain of the RangeGoats to maintain his spot.
This time around, he finds himself comfortably away from the relegation spots, having taken advantage of his captaincy privileges for this year.
It remains unknown as to whether captains will remain safe from relegation this time around, but with the league once again on the hunt for world ranking points, changes are expected.
As things stand heading into this week’s 54-hole event at JCB, just one captain finds themselves inside the drop zone in Majesticks star Ian Poulter.
His Majesticks co-captains Henrik Stenson and Lee Westwood sit just outside the drop zone, meaning this week’s event in Uttoxter is an important one for the home team.
