Phil Mickelson, a three-time Masters champion, is enduring a turbulent 2025 season. Despite earning two top-10 finishes, his Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) plummeted after missing the cut at the Masters, pushing him outside the top 1000 for the first time—he now sits at 1,025th. For a veteran who believes that “any win is a huge accomplishment right now,” a victory is not just desired, but essential, especially given the evolving landscape of LIV Golf.
In April, talks between LIV Golf and OWGR resumed, a shift from 2024 when former CEO Greg Norman halted efforts after repeated rejections. Without ranking points, LIV players such as Sergio Garcia and Patrick Reed had to compete in other tours like the DP World Tour and Asian Tour to secure major qualifications. The renewed discussions brought hope to LIV athletes, but they may spell trouble for players like Mickelson.
Last season, Mickelson’s poor form saw him finish 44th in the LIV Golf standings—placing him in what’s known as the “drop zone.” According to league rules, this would typically result in relegation. However, as a team captain for HyFlyers GC, Mickelson was exempt from being dropped. In 2025, he appeared safe again until recent updates suggested a potential change to those rules.
LIV Golf is now considering amending its structure to meet OWGR standards, which may include requiring all players, captains included, to compete in qualifying events if they fall into the drop zone. This development, though not finalized, signals that even high-profile names like Mickelson may no longer be immune to relegation based on performance alone.
🚨⛳️🏌🏻 #NEW: The LIV Golf league is considering making changes to strengthen its case for world ranking points. @SI_Golf reported that the league may move to require all players who finish in the ‘relegation zone’ to play a qualifying event, including exempt team captains. pic.twitter.com/wxszWS9dCi
— NUCLR GOLF (@NUCLRGOLF) May 8, 2025
Previously, captains were protected, and underperformers like Bubba Watson and Branden Grace were retained for business reasons. But if new rules are enforced, relegated players would need to re-earn their spots through LIV Golf Promotions events. These events offer limited entry points—typically just two each season, including one through the Asian Tour’s International Series. Mickelson, currently ranked 15th, still needs to maintain strong results to stay above the cut-off.
Additionally, six LIV players have received exemptions into the upcoming PGA Championship. But if relegation policies change, even these players could face uncertainty regarding future participation.
LIV Golf’s relationship with the OWGR is shifting. While the OWGR board has not received a new application from LIV, league leadership is reportedly working toward submitting one in time for the Open Championship in July. If they succeed, it could finally grant LIV players official world ranking points, addressing a long-standing barrier.
Though OWGR acceptance remains unresolved, LIV has already achieved progress elsewhere. Notably, exemptions have been secured for its players in the U.S. Open and Open Championship. However, some team captains remain at risk.
Two notable names currently facing relegation are Lee Westwood and Ian Poulter, co-captains of Majesticks GC. Westwood is 53rd in the LIV standings and hasn’t posted a top-20 finish this season. He also ranks 4,552nd in the OWGR. Poulter, meanwhile, is 45th and hovers just above the danger zone, ranked 1,476th in the OWGR.
As the 2025 season progresses, the big question remains: Can Phil Mickelson turn things around with a win, or is the end nearing for one of golf’s most iconic figures?