Branden Grace’s LIV Golf future hangs in the balance
The LIV Golf circuit’s season ended in disappointment for five members who were relegated from the league after the final event in Chicago on Sunday.
As reported by The South African website, Spain’s Jon Rahm was crowned the individual champion is what was his first year on the Sudi Arabia-backed circuit.
That was worth $18 million to the 29-year-old who banked a total in excess of $34.7 million in his first season.
Big name
While those at the top of the standings celebrated, there was drama at the other end of the table.
Two-time major champion Bubba Watson was the biggest name to be relegated on Sunday.
Initially, it was assumed that Watson would be exempt from relegation, as captains were safe in 2023.
However, a rule change for 2024 meant the former PGA Tour star was part of the relegation process.
Watson does, however have one potential escape route.
While captains are no longer exempt, they can appeal their relegation to their team.
Watson now needs to present a case to the RangeGoats board explaining why he should be allowed to play in 2025.
Branden Grace
Meanwhile, South Africa’s Branden Grace, one of LIV’s first winners in Portland back in 2022, is currently unable to make a case for his return.
His performances have declined since the league’s inaugural season, landing him in the dreaded drop zone.
However, the Stinger GC star does have two potential routes back into the LIV league for 2025.
He will need to either win the Asian Tour’s International Series Order of Merit or secure his place through the league’s qualifying school, LIV Golf Promotions, later this year.
Neither is an easy task.
Grace has formed part of the all-South African Stinger GC foursome alongside Louis Oosthuizen, Dean Burmester and Charl Schwartzel.
In 2022, Grace finished second overall and earned $16 634 666.
In 2023, the now 36-year-old finished ninth in the individual standings following five top-10 finishes and had boosted his overall earnings to $25 362 083 which was good enough for fifth-place.
However, he ‘only’ earned $1 847 435 during the 2024 campaign, finishing 50th in the list.
The other three players to have been relegated were Finland’s Kalle Samooja and the Vincent brothers from Zimbabwe, Kieran and Scott.
