Greg Norman, the LIV Golf circuit's figurehead, has issued a stern warning to underperforming players to 'pull their socks up', as several stars face potential relegation from the Saudi-backed breakaway league.
With only three tournaments remaining in the regular season, including this week's event at LIV Golf UK, numerous players are on the brink of being ousted from the league. In total, four players will be relegated via the league's drop zone, compelling them to seek other golfing opportunities in 2025.
Currently, the four players in the relegation spots in the individual standings are Branden Grace, Scott Vincent, Kieran Vincent and Kalle Samooja, with the latter two having secured their positions after promotion from Q-School last winter.
Those just outside the relegation zone are also in peril, with Harold Varner III, Pat Perez, Jinichiro Kozuma and Mito Pereira all precariously positioned as the season draws to a close. With limited time left to play, LIV CEO Norman has cautioned his players that time is of the essence.
"We are in the meat and bones of the season," the former world No. 1 stated during the second round of LIV's broadcast.
"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."
The relegation of four players has cracked open the door for fresh talent to make their move to the Saudi-backed LIV Golf league. Since its launch in June 2022, the controversial circuit has been successful in attracting some of the sport's top stars, and Greg Norman suggests there's a queue of players eager to join.
Norman elaborated on the competitive spirit within the league: "We knew that we had to create this pathway of opportunity for the next generation," he said. "And there are players out there with FOMO [fear of missing out] right now. They want to get in. So the players who are in, know that there's that FOMO wanting to get in, and they don't want to get out."
He also noted the palpable tension among players: "I see the intensity on the driving ranges. Each and every day, practice round, first round, even this morning you can see it elevating."
Moreover, those who fail to secure a spot in the top-24 standings could lose their place if their contracts with LIV Golf have ended.
Even team captains aren't safe from the pressure, as exemplified by Bubba Watson's situation. Despite his status, Watson's performance has been lacklustre since joining LIV Golf, and Norman didn't mince words about it: "You look at the players that are in that zone, they know they're in that zone, the relegation zone Bubba Watson, for example, I watched Bubba on TV all day yesterday. You can see his face going up and down, so you don't think he's under pressure. Damn right he's under pressure."
