Bubba Watson, a two-time Masters champion from the United States, was at risk of being ousted from LIV Golf. Still, due to LIV Golf’s unique regulations, he will likely be reinstated. Following the conclusion of the Chicago tournament, LIV Golf finalized this season’s individual prize money ranking, ensuring next season’s participation for players ranked within the top 48. However, players ranked 49th and below must go through a qualifying school-like promotion to compete in next season’s LIV Golf.
This year has been tough for Watson, who has not finished in the top 10 in any of the 13 tournaments he entered, with his best result being a tie for 15th. As a result, he ended the season ranked 53rd in prize money, putting him in jeopardy of missing out on next season’s events. However, Watson’s status as a star player—one of the original signings when LIV Golf launched—and his role as captain of the Range Goats GC play a significant role in his potential reinstatement. LIV Golf teams are considered vital to the organization, prioritizing their box office appeal over individual performance.
A ‘business regulation’ within LIV Golf allows players deemed essential to their teams to remain eligible regardless of their performance. Being a team captain is akin to having a stake in the organization, making it challenging to dismiss him without just causing challenges. Randall Wells, who oversees management and marketing for the Range Goats GC, reinforced this notion, asserting that fans support Watson and highlighting that he leads one of the most successful teams in LIV Golf.
Watson won the Masters in 2012 and 2014 and has achieved 12 victories on the PGA Tour. He joined LIV Golf in 2022 but struggled to compete effectively last year due to a knee injury, and his performance this year has not been impressive. Meanwhile, Branden Grace of South Africa and Anthony Kim of the United States are also in the drop zone and at risk of being ousted.
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