LIV Golf: Could The Planned Relegation System Actually Backfire?

It seems like each and every day the newly founded LIV Golf Tour is making headlines with new additions, new rules, or controversial quotes.

With their third tournament currently in progress at Trump National Golf Club Bedminister in Bedminster, New Jersey, there is plenty to watch with new additions to keep an eye on, both on and off the course.

Additions include Henrik Stenson and Jason Kokrak. Meanwhile, charismatic analyst David Feherty also made his official LIV debut this week. Bedminster will certainly be another test of LIV Golf’s overall product.

Behind the scenes, Greg Norman and his team are working to maximize the product going forward. This begins with an expanded 14-event schedule set for 2023, featuring plenty of the top courses worldwide. In addition to this, LIV Golf has announced its new relegation system, which includes the following:

•  Top 24 finishers in each tournament will be assigned points that accumulate throughout the season
• The bottom 4 finishers at the end of the season will be at risk of relegation
• Exceptions include LIV Golf contract or Major Champion within the last 5 years
• The top 4 finishers in the qualifying tournament will earn a spot for the following season

Could the planned changes actually hurt LIV Golf going forward?

While this is a sound idea that many other sports have adopted in the past, this one may hurt the Tour going forward, and here’s why.

LIV Golf has made a name for itself by acquiring former superstars in the sport, including Phil Mickelson, Lee Westwood, Ian Poulter, and many others.

But what do all these golfers have in common? They are well past their prime. What they also do is attract attention as a result of their past successes. But what happens if their game continues to deteriorate? Well, technically speaking, they get relegated.

While there are the listed exemptions that save some of them, it does not save them all. It would not be a good look for Greg Norman if he persuaded some of the players to join, only to have them eventually get relegated.

According to the new rule, players could also be ousted if their captain does not renew their spot on the team. A pretty cutthroat action if you ask me.

As one agent stated, LIV Golf wouldn’t be doing itself any favors by letting these revered golfers go.

"“I can’t imagine they want to bounce guys or explore buyouts and such, as that doesn’t send the right message to those who committed early, and it doesn’t send the right message in general about stability.”"

While this may improve the overall product, it will surely ruffle some feathers of notable names who are eventually cut from LIV Golf. Especially considering if Jay Monahan and the PGA Tour aren’t willing to welcome them back.

It will be interesting to see within the next year how LIV Golf continues to develop, but one thing is certain, it will continue to make headlines everywhere it goes.