Phil Mickelson and Bubba Watson could exit LIV Golf in 2025 after major U-turn announced

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LIV Golf has announced a significant U-turn that could significantly impact Phil Mickelson and Bubba Watson ahead of the 2025 season.

Watson and Mickelson are exempt from relegation out of the league as captains —at least, they thought that was the case.

Ahead of LIV Golf Chicago at Bolingbrook Golf Club, the breakaway league has confirmed all players, including captains, are vulnerable to the threat of relegation.

Mickelson, captain of the Hi-Flyers, is currently 44th, four spots outside the drop zone. Watson, however, is 52nd, thus on the wrong side of the dotted line and now at risk of relegation.

Another captain who is also at risk is Majesticks’ Ian Poulter.

Bubba Watson faces genuine possibility of LIV Golf relegation

• READ MORE: Jon Rahm shares how he actually feels about LIV Golf players being relegated this weekend

For Mickelson, the prospect of relegation is actually quite slim. Players only earn points for finishing inside the top 24; with Mickelson 44th, it would take somewhat of a mathematical miracle for him to drop into the relegation zone.

Watson, however, is facing relegation in the face. The former Masters champion sits four points behind 48th Pat Perez, who sits on the right side of the dotted line. Therefore, the brash lefty needs a minimum finish of 15th to give himself any chance of survival.

Greg Norman has heaped pressure on Watson, and the American will require a season-best performance at Bolingbrook Golf Club.

Bubba Watson could be handed LIV Golf lifeline after Chicago event

Watson, however, could be thrown a LIV Golf lifeline if he is relegated after the Chicago event.

The 45-year-old could work his way back through the International Series Order of Merit or via the Promotions event later this year.

A more plausible route, however, will see a “business case” made, with Watson one of the highest-profile names to turn his back on the PGA Tour in 2022.

If Mickelson were relegated, a similar scenario would undoubtedly ensue. The 54-year-old is front and centre of the LIV brand and would more than likely be handed a lifeline.