LIV Golf informed they have scored an ‘own goal’ which could stop team golf ever reaching its potential

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Golf Channel pundit Rex Hoggard has suggested LIV Golf has scored an “own goal” after the Individual Championship concluded in Chicago.

Jon Rahm sealed his second win of the 2024 season and landed the Individual Championship in the process.

However, the other end of the LIV Golf table also provided drama.

Bubba Watson and Phil Mickelson were at risk of losing their 2025 spots after LIV announced that captains, having been previously exempt, would be at risk of relegation.

Despite carding a five-under final round at Bolingbrook Golf Club, Watson couldn’t drag himself out of the drop zone and is now at risk of losing his previously safe position on the breakaway tour.

Golf Channel pundits discuss Bubba Waston’s LIV Golf relegation

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Golf Channel Pundits Ryan Lavner and Rex Hoggard have been discussing Watson’s relegation, and the pair believe LIV has made an error.

“I would love to know what Bubba’s contract is,” Lavner said in the latest Golf Channel Podcast. “And I am not against bringing him back; he probably sells a lot of hats if I’m being quite frank. But they could leverage this so much better than they are doing right now.”

Hoggard added: “It’s so confusing. It seems like an own goal. If Brooks Koepka has a four-year deal worth 200 million dollars and Paul Casey has a three-year deal worth 60 million dollars, that’s cool.

“Have that out in the open, trade players, move things around for a 2025 promotion card. If LIV Golf wants to get serious about this team model, then more openness, more transparency, and more accountability is something that absolutely has to come to fruition.”

Bubba Watson’s LIV Golf future now up in the air

Given LIV’s lack of clarity, it’s hard to predict Watson’s future, although rumours have emerged.

According to Sports Illustrated, Watson is expected to be brought back into the league for the 2025 season.

If LIV Golf executives can be convinced that there is a “business reason” to reinstate Watson, the former Masters champion will be handed a lifeline.

It’s believed that Watson’s role as RangeGoats Captain, and him also one of the biggest draws, make it all but certain that he will be offered a 2025 deal.

However, given the lack of news emerging from LIV, Watson’s future will only be confirmed once an announcement has been made.