Several former PGA golfers could very well find themselves being unable to compete in LIV Golf next season.
The golf league has an interesting system as to how they rank their golfers. They break it up into three zones: Lock Zone, Open Zone, and Drop Zone. With the Drop Zone, anyone finishing 49th and below is relegated and must play in LIV Golf Promotions for the chance to return.
There are only three tournaments left this season and, as it stands, Laurie Canter, Kieran Vincent, Branden Grace, Scott Vincent, and Kalle Samooja are in the Drop Zone.
Masters winner Bubba Watson is also at the bottom but is exempt from relegation he is under contract as captain of RangeGoats GC.
LIV Golf CEO Greg Norman basically told players to suck it up.
“We are in the meat and bones of the season,” said Norman. “Players know there is relegation coming up and things are going to change up very quickly… These guys who are on the edge have got to pull their socks up and get themselves going.”
While that might be harsh words coming from Norman, he also says that he knows the players are trying their best.
“I see the intensity on the driving ranges, each and every day, practice round, first round, even this morning you can see it elevating,” he said.
Should a player face the drop zone (and be out of contract) come the end of the season, they will need to perform well in the Promotions event to earn their way back onto the tour next season.
About Stacey Mickles
Stacey is a 1995 graduate of the University of Alabama who has previously worked for other publications such as Sportskeeda and Saturday Down South.