Under ordinary circumstances, legendary golfer Phil Mickelson would be at risk of relegation from LIV Golf. That would likely prove to be disastrous as he’s over 50 and couldn’t just return to the PGA Tour in that instance. However, a key part of the rules for LIV’s team-based format allows Mickelson to remain despite poor performance.
There are more than a few loopholes to circumvent the relegation rules, and Mickelson may be one of a few golfers, depending on the final two scheduled events, who need to invoke them.
The legendary golfer is a team captain, which makes him exempt from relegation. He’s 44th, which is not in the relegation zone, but he won’t go anywhere regardless because he’s the leader of HyFlyers GC.
This was the case for Lee Westwood and Martin Kaymer in 2023. Henrik Stenson is ranked 41st, but he will also be exempt since he’s the captain of Majesticks GC. Bubba Watson is ranked 52nd, but he too is safe because he’s the captain of RangeGoats GC.
Anthony Kim is another golfer who is struggling mightily, ranked 56th right now out of 57 players. He is not the captain of any team, but another loophole might protect him. He joined as a wild card, and LIV Golf wild card players are exempt from relegation.
Those are the only players who can rely on exemptions to avoid the dreaded cut. Scott Vincent, Branden Grace, Kalle Samooja and Kieran Vincent are all in the drop zone and have no such exemptions. They will be relegated if they can’t move up to the top 48 at LIV Golf Chicago.
Phil Mickelson mulls role change in future
Phil Mickelson, who is bordering on the relegation zone in LIV Golf, spoke a month ago about what the future holds for himself. He’s not dishonest about his age and his performance. If he’s unable to keep the HyFlyers competitive, he’ll step aside.
However, he doesn’t believe that time is now. Via ESPN, he said:
“I’m in every major on the regular tour next year, and I’ll be in three of the four majors for the next six, seven years. I would love to compete and give myself a chance to win in those, and I also want to build this out and create a culture that is sustainable and that people strive to be a part of.”
How he does that, be it internally as a player or from the outside, he will remain “intricately” involved with what the HyFlyers do moving forward. Phil Mickelson thinks he could be a part of his current LIV Golf team for the rest of his life.
