The LIV Golf League, which has disrupted the traditional golf landscape since its inception, is now making headlines for a different reason — the looming threat of relegation for some of its most prominent team captains. As the league intensifies its campaign to earn Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points, the pressure is mounting not only for its newer members but also for its leading figures.
Sources close to the league reveal that several team captains — once considered untouchable due to their high profiles and marquee status — are now at risk of dropping out of the league if they fail to improve their performance. With the relegation zone becoming a real threat, even veteran names in the sport are facing a level of accountability previously unseen in LIV’s short history.
The shake-up comes as LIV Golf continues to push for recognition by the OWGR, a key component in ensuring its players remain eligible for major championships and other global events. Without OWGR points, LIV players risk slipping down the world rankings, making it harder to qualify for tournaments like the Masters, U.S. Open, and The Open Championship.
The relegation policy, which mirrors structures in international sports like soccer, is designed to maintain competitive integrity and encourage consistent performance across the league. But it also places significant pressure on players who joined LIV with the expectation of long-term security and large payouts.
“This was never going to be a retirement league,” one insider noted. “The goal is to build a credible, elite competition — and that means no one is safe if they don’t deliver.”
Fans are split on the issue. Some applaud LIV’s move toward meritocracy, saying it proves the league is serious about legitimacy. Others, however, view the sudden push as a reactionary measure to gain credibility amid criticism over player incentives and lack of competitive depth.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on the league standings — not just to see who wins, but who survives. The stakes have never been higher for LIV’s captains, and with the chase for OWGR recognition heating up, the landscape of professional golf continues to evolve in dramatic fashion.