AR
Ian Poulter’s future with LIV Golf is in serious doubt as the Saudi Arabian-backed league scraps its rule protecting team captains from relegation.
The 48-year-old Majesticks co-captain, who signed a three-year deal reportedly worth $20–30 million, is currently 51st in the standings with just two regular-season events remaining, starting with this week in Chicago.
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According to The Telegraph Sport, under LIV’s updated rules, players who finish 49th or worse will be relegated with no exceptions for captains. It marks a clear shift from last season when Bubba Watson, despite finishing in the drop zone, was retained by RangeGoats on a “business case.” Branden Grace was also kept on by Stinger GC despite failing to regain his place through LIV’s Q-School.
Critics argued these decisions undermined the league’s competitive integrity. LIV appears to be addressing that, especially as it tries to strengthen its case for inclusion in the Official World Golf Ranking system. Its previous application was denied in 2023, partly due to limited access and format concerns.
Majesticks Ian Poulter. LIV Golf
Poulter’s best finish this year was a tie for 13th in South Korea. His teammates and co-captains Lee Westwood and Henrik Stenson aren’t faring much better, sitting 46th and 47th, respectively. The Majesticks are currently second-to-last in the team standings.
For Poulter, whose contract expires after this season, a return to the DP World Tour is unlikely given how the former Ryder Cup star left the tour.
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