Phil Mickelson’s Future in LIV Golf: Will He Stay or Go?
Phil Mickelson, one of the most iconic figures in golf, may soon face an uncertain future in the LIV Golf League. In a surprising turn of events, LIV Golf has clarified its relegation rules, which could impact Mickelson and other notable players such as Bubba Watson and Ian Poulter. These rules, announced just before the final individual event of 2024, mean that even team captains, once thought to be safe, are now at risk of losing their spots.
LIV Golf’s newly clarified rules state that any player finishing outside the top 48 in the season-long points race faces relegation. For Mickelson, who currently sits 44th, this places him in a precarious position. Meanwhile, Bubba Watson, ranked 52nd, and Ian Poulter are among the captains who could potentially lose their playing privileges for the 2025 season.
In addition to these big names, there are seven players currently in the relegation “drop zone,” including former LIV Golf event winner Branden Grace and Kalle Samooja. However, not all relegated players are left without hope. They can try to regain their spot by excelling in the International Series or through a Promotions event later in the year.
One of the biggest shocks is that team captains like Mickelson and Watson are no longer immune from relegation. Previously, it was believed that captains held a special exemption from these rules, but now their fate depends on their performance, just like everyone else.
The relegation rule marks a significant shift in how the LIV Golf League operates, adding more pressure to the final event at Bolingbrook Country Club. For captains like Mickelson, who leads the HyFlyers team, the stakes are higher than ever. However, LIV Golf has introduced a potential safeguard: a “business case” clause that could allow a captain to remain in the league, even if they fall outside the top 48.
At 54 years old, Mickelson is no longer at the peak of his game, and his recent results reflect that. He’s had just three top-10 finishes in LIV events, and he’s struggled in major championships, missing the cut in two out of four this year. Yet Mickelson remains optimistic about his future, both as a player and as an owner of his team.
“I’m an equity shareholder, and I’ll be involved with the HyFlyers for the rest of my life,” Mickelson said earlier this year. “I’m realistic about where I’m at. If I can’t compete, I’ll step aside and let someone else take the team to new heights.”
Even if Mickelson’s days as a top competitor are numbered, his involvement with LIV Golf is far from over. As an equity shareholder in the HyFlyers, he’ll continue to play a significant role in shaping the future of his team. However, with LIV Golf’s new rules, Mickelson and others will need to deliver strong performances to secure their spots in 2025.
For fans of Mickelson, Watson, and Poulter, the upcoming LIV Golf events will be more exciting than ever. While these legends of the game have seen incredible success in the past, the future is less certain. With LIV Golf’s relegation system in place, their careers may take unexpected turns, adding a fresh layer of drama to the world of professional golf.
As the season comes to a close, all eyes will be on Mickelson and his fellow captains to see if they can rise to the occasion—or if they’ll be forced to navigate the tricky path of earning their way back into the league.