The LIV Golf season came to a close in Chicago, and while some players celebrated major victories, others faced disappointment as they were relegated from the league.
The season-ending drama didn’t just highlight champions but also those who will need to fight for their spots next year.
Jon Rahm’s Massive Payday
On the brighter side, Spain’s Jon Rahm wrapped up his first season on the Saudi-backed circuit with a bang.
Crowned as the individual champion, Rahm walked away with a staggering $18 million prize.
The 29-year-old has had an incredible season, raking in a total of $34.7 million.
It’s been a year of major wins and rewards for the talented golfer.
Bubba Watson Faces Relegation
However, not everyone shared in the glory.
Bubba Watson, a two-time major champion, was the biggest name to be relegated after the final event.
Initially, it was believed that team captains were safe from relegation in 2023.
But with a rule change set for 2024, Watson found himself in the mix.
Despite being relegated, Watson still has one last chance to stay in the game.
He can appeal to his team, RangeGoats, explaining why he deserves a spot in the 2025 season.
If successful, Watson might just avoid being dropped, but the future is uncertain for now.
Branden Grace’s Struggles Continue
Branden Grace, one of LIV’s early success stories, has also found himself in a tough spot.
After a stellar performance in the inaugural 2022 season, where he finished second overall and earned over $16 million, Grace has struggled to maintain that momentum.
His 2023 season was solid, with five top-10 finishes, boosting his career earnings to over $25 million.
But 2024 hasn’t been kind to Grace.
With a sharp decline in performance, he earned just under $2 million and finished 50th overall.
Now, he has two potential paths to regain his spot in the league.
He could either win the Asian Tour’s International Series Order of Merit or secure a place through LIV Golf Promotions’ qualifying school later this year—both challenging routes.
Other Players Facing Relegation
Joining Grace and Watson in relegation are Finland’s Kalle Samooja and Zimbabwe’s Kieran and Scott Vincent.
For these players, the road back to the LIV league will be anything but easy.
What’s Next?
As the dust settles on the 2024 LIV Golf season, the focus shifts to the upcoming challenges.
Relegated players will be looking for ways to regain their spots, while those at the top will continue to bask in their victories.
Whether through appeals, qualifying tournaments, or stellar performances on other tours, the path forward is full of possibilities and uncertainty for many of these talented golfers.
TDPel Media
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