LIV Golf, the Saudi-backed tour, is making waves in the golf world once again with its innovative approach. In a bid to introduce player turnover and create excitement within the sport, LIV Golf implemented the concept of relegation for its 2023 season. Inspired by the English Premier League, this unique move aimed to shake up the roster. And now, as we approach the end of the season, LIV Golf has announced its plan to host a promotional event in December that will both relegate and add players for the highly anticipated 2024 season.
The lack of player turnover was a major factor that led to the Official World Golf Rankings (OWGR) declining LIV Golf’s application to earn points for its players in the upcoming season. In response, LIV Golf hopes to impress and influence the OWGR by organizing a compelling promotional event from December 8-10.
At the conclusion of the individual race at LIV Jeddah, four players found themselves within the dreaded ‘Drop Zone.’ The relegated players include Jed Morgan from Rippers GC, James Piot from HyFlyers GC, Chase Koepka – brother of renowned golfer Brooks Koepka – from Smash GC, and Sihwan Kim from Iron Heads GC. Fortunately for Lee Westwood and Martin Kaymer, their positions as captains saved them from relegation.
Players ranked from No. 1 to 24 have secured their spots for the 2024 season. Those placed between 25th and 44th are in the “Open Zone,” which allows them to either remain with their current team or sign with another during the transfer market. Beyond the 44th spot, players enter the dreaded “Drop Zone.”
The December promotional tournament aims to identify three golfers to join the LIV rosters for the 2024 season, and the top player from the Asian Tour will occupy the fourth spot. Unlike a traditional 54-hole tournament, this promotion event will consist of 72 holes, divided into various cuts and exemption categories.
LIV Promotional Tournament – Structure:
Round 1:
The first round includes winners of the U.S. and British Amateur championships, Latin-America Amateur, Asia-Pacific Amateur, and the European Amateur. Additionally, players ranked 6th to 32nd in the International Series rankings, along with those in the top 200 of the Official World Golf Ranking and the top 20 in the World Amateur Golf Ranking, will compete. The top 20 players and ties will advance to the next round.
Round 2:
Scores will reset for the second round, which will see the top 20 players from the previous day joined by those who earned automatic exemptions. Such exemptions include relegated players, winners of PGA Tour or DP World Tour events, major champions since 2018, Ryder Cup and President Cup players, and those ranked within the top five in the International Series standings. From this round, the top 16 players will proceed to the final rounds.
Final Round:
The remaining 16 players will engage in a traditional stroke play format, with three players ultimately earning automatic promotions to LIV Golf for the 2024 season.
This concept of player relegation is unprecedented in golf. Its impact goes beyond mere sporting rules, potentially setting the stage for even more significant changes within the sport. As LIV Golf eagerly awaits the Official World Golf Rankings’ decision on player points for the upcoming season, the December promotional tournament stands as a testament to their commitment to innovation and ensuring a thrilling future for golf.
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