The LIV Golf League, which began in 2021, has continued to grow in popularity, with the 2025 season officially concluding on Sunday.
The league’s year-end rules differ significantly from the PGA Tour. The standings are divided into three zones: Lock Zone, Open Zone, and Relegation. The top 24 golfers automatically secure their spots for next season, while those ranked 25 through 48 can remain in the league—but their current teams are not obligated to re-sign them if they are on an expiring contract.
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At the bottom of the standings is the Relegation Zone. This year, six players who finished 49th or lower were relegated following Sunday’s final tournament in Indianapolis.
Who Got Relegated
The relegated players include 2016 Open Champion Henrik Stenson, co-captain of the Majestics; Mito Pereira; Andy Ogletree; Yubin Jang; Anthony Kim; and Frederik Kjettrup, who ended the season with zero points.
The relegation system in LIV Golf is ruthless, but it undeniably adds competitiveness to every tournament and places a premium on consistency.
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This year, LIV Golf star and soon-to-be U.S. Ryder Cup member Bryson DeChambeau weighed in on the system and how the league could evolve moving forward. Relegation, in particular, was something he suggested could use adjustments.
“I would say that there are definitely grounds upon which we can change some things,” DeChambeau said. “Definitely relegation for sure, more pathways into LIV. I think a global tour, more association to a global tour would be great for a feeder system into LIV. Those things, I think, could help quite a bit. Albeit I don’t know the details, I think those are a few of the bigger points.”
How Can LIV Players Can Return From Relegation
While the six relegated players are now techincally out of the league, the door isn’t fully closed. They still have opportunities to earn their way back into the field—whether by climbing into the top 48 through the International Series or LIV Golf promotions.
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The next promotions tournament is set to begin on Dec. 12 at the Riyadh Golf Club in Saudi Arabia. Its sole purpose is for players to compete and earn their spot into the LIV Golf League.
Related: PGA Tour Reacts to Historic Scottie Scheffler News
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 19, 2025, where it first appeared in the Golf section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
