Phil Mickelson, one of golf’s most iconic figures, has found himself in a precarious position within the LIV Golf league. Due to a less-than-stellar performance, Mickelson would typically be at risk of relegation, especially given the league’s cutthroat format. At over 50 years old, being relegated would have severe consequences, particularly as returning to the PGA Tour is not a viable option.
However, LIV Golf’s team-based rules provide certain exemptions that have allowed Mickelson to remain in the league, despite his performance struggles.
Mickelson is the captain of HyFlyers GC, and this leadership role grants him immunity from relegation. Currently ranked 44th, Mickelson would ordinarily be safe, but even if his ranking were to drop further, he would still be protected due to his captain status. This exemption also applies to other team captains, such as Henrik Stenson and Bubba Watson, who find themselves in similar situations. These loopholes, designed to safeguard team leaders, have sparked discussions about the fairness and integrity of the LIV Golf relegation system.
While these rules protect team captains like Mickelson, other golfers in the relegation zone are not so fortunate. Players like Scott Vincent and Branden Grace, who lack the captaincy exemption, face the real threat of being cut from the league if they don’t improve their rankings. Anthony Kim, although struggling and ranked 56th, may avoid relegation due to his wild card status, another unique loophole within the LIV Golf system. These exceptions have become critical lifelines for players on the brink of elimination.
Despite being safe for now, Mickelson has acknowledged the possibility of a role change if his performance continues to decline. He has openly discussed stepping aside from the HyFlyers GC leadership if he can no longer keep the team competitive. However, Mickelson remains determined to stay involved with the team, expressing his desire to contribute to its success, whether as a player or in another capacity. For now, though, Mickelson continues to focus on competing and building a lasting legacy within LIV Golf.
