As Jon Rahm and Joaquin Niemann battle for LIV Golf’s Individual Championship in Chicago, several players are fighting to avoid relegation at the other end of the table.
Greg Norman has heaped pressure on those inside LIV’s ‘Drop Zone’, with players ranked 49th to 57th at risk of losing their spot on the breakaway tour.
Rahm, of course, is more concerned with the top end of the leaderboard as the Spaniard seeks to end his debut season on a high.
Nevertheless, the 29-year-old was asked about the relegation picture, with Legion XIII’s Kieran Vincent at risk.
Jon Rahm’s honest thoughts on LIV Golf relegation
Rahm, who became one of the earning golfers of all time after signing for LIV, has admitted he has mixed feelings about the prospect of relegation.
Currently, captains are exempt from relegation, meaning that players like Bubba Watson, who is inside the Drop Zone, will survive another year.
“I have mixed feelings about the topic of captains and relegation,” Rahm explained.
“There’s a lot of ways to look at it. You’re a captain; maybe you should have some sort of safety net, but at the same time, if you are a captain, you’re supposed to be a leader, maybe play better.”
LIV Golf’s relegation picture explained ahead of Chicago event
LIV Golf’s relegation picture has been made all the more confusing due to exemptions, contracts and captains.
Despite the intricacies, let’s try and break it down.
Ahead of LIV Golf Chicago, Harold Varner III, Pat Perez and Branden Grace are among those fighting to avoid relegation.
Phil Mickelson, Ian Poulter and Watson would also be in danger; however, due to their captaincy status, they are exempt.
Finally, wild cards are also exempt, meaning Laurie Canter, Hudson Swafford and Anthony Kim aren’t at risk.
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