The LIV Golf setup’s 2024 season reaches its climax in Chicago this week, with a number of players battling relegation from the breakaway league
Greg Norman’s reminder to LIV Golf members about the threat of relegation is particularly pertinent this week, as the breakaway league’s 2024 regular season wraps up in Chicago on Sunday. Although LIV’s campaign officially concludes with the Team Championship in Dallas next week, the individual aspect of the Saudi-backed circuit’s season reaches its peak in Chicago.
There’s a lot at stake at both ends of the year-long standings. Jon Rahm and Joaquin Niemann are vying for the $18m bonus awarded to the league’s seasonal champion at the top end of the table. Meanwhile, numerous players risk losing their right to compete in the LIV setup in 2025, with the four players in the drop zone at the end of play on Sunday facing relegation.
Currently, brothers Kieran and Scott Vincent, along with Kalle Samooja and Branden Grace, occupy the bottom four spots. Just above the dreaded drop line, but still in the relegation fight, are 4Aces duo Pat Perez and Harold Varner III, leaving their captain Dustin Johnson in a quandary, reports the Mirror.
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The loss of a spot on the LIV roster will undoubtedly be a significant blow for those at risk, but the bottom six will have one last opportunity to secure their membership over 54 holes at Bolingbrook Golf Club. The relegation battle has intensified in recent weeks as the season finale looms ever closer.
During the season’s climax, LIV CEO Norman issued a warning to those at risk if they didn’t improve their game. “We are in the meat and bones of the season,” the former world No 1 stated at LIV Golf UK in July. “Players know there is relegation coming up and things are going to change up very quickly. Those guys who are on the brink need to pull up their socks and get moving.”
With four spots likely to be left vacant by those who are relegated, this means some fresh faces will enter the breakaway league for 2025, and according to Norman, there are plenty of players eager to join. The CEO believes this interest from outsiders is motivating those already part of the LIV roster to maintain their positions.
“We knew that we had to create this pathway of opportunity for the next generation,” Norman added. “And there are players out there with FOMO [fear of missing out] right now. They want to get in. So the players who are in, know that there’s that FOMO wanting to get in, and they don’t want to get out. I see the intensity on the driving ranges.
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“Each and every day, practice round, first round, even this morning you can see it elevating. “