As the 2025 LIV Golf Individual Championship approaches, Phil Mickelson opens up about the pressure of relegation and his worries for teammate Andy Ogletree. With only two events left, players like Ogletree, Henrik Stenson, and Ian Poulter are fighting to avoid the drop zone. Explore the stakes, injuries, and standings in this high-tension golf season.
Keywords: LIV Golf 2025, Phil Mickelson, Andy Ogletree, LIV Golf relegation, Henrik Stenson, Ian Poulter, golf standings, golf injuries, LIV Golf Chicago, golf rankings, golf news, LIV Golf 2025 season, golf relegation rules, HyFlyers GC, Majesticks, golf pressure, golf points system, golf tournament updates, golf player struggles, golf team dynamics
In the highstakes world of LIIV golf, the looming threat of relegation casts a shadow over the final weeks of the season. As the 2025 individual championship approaches, the high-flyers GC led by the seasoned Phil Mickelson find themselves in a precarious position. The pressure is mounting, especially for team member Andy Ogulry, whose future in the league hangs by a thread. Mickelson, known for his candidness, opens up about the team struggles, particularly highlighting Ogal Tree situation. It’s a big day for us. We’re all kind of feeling it. Mickelson begins his voice tinged with concern. Ogalry, who first caught the eye at Elivy Golf’s 2022 London event, has been battling a nagging wrist injury that threatens his standing in the league. De’s wrist is bothering him. He needs some points to stay out of relegation. The pressure of your entire year is on the line, and I’m more concerned for D right now than anything, Mickelson confides. Despite Ogalree’s recent T18 finish in England, which provided a glimmer of hope, his overall performance this season has been marred by injury and inconsistency. With only 4.9 three points and no top 10 finishes, he’s in a fight for his career. Mickelson, who himself faced relegation last year, understands the gravity of the situation. But the stakes are even higher for Ogalry. Players ranked 49th or lower in the Elivy Golf Point standings after the finale in Indianapolis face relegation. To regain their spot, they must win the International Series or earn a promotion through Elivy Golf Promotions. Obel’s current 48th place ranking makes him a prime target for those below him. Eager to climb the ladder, Mikkelson isn’t the only one feeling the heat. Teammate Brendan Steel, with no top 10 finishes this season and only two top 20s, is also in danger, sitting at 45th in the standings. However, there’s a silver lining for the high-flyers as Cameron Tringale and Mickelson himself are performing well. Currently ranked 25th and 20th respectively. As the Sunday round in Chicago approaches, Mickelson is in a relatively safe position, sitting at T9. He’s likely to add more points to his tally, securing his spot for the season. However, the Mage Sticks, another team in the league, cannot claim the same level of security. Co- captains Lee Westwood, Henrik Stinson, and Ian Poulter are in a tight spot hovering around the relegation zone. The mage situation is further complicated by Elivy Golf’s pursuit of official World Golf ranking OWGr accreditation, which has led to rule changes, including the removal of exemptions for captains and relegation scenarios. Westwood, Stinson, and Poulter, currently ranked 46th, 47th, and 51st, respectively, are at risk of being relegated if they finish 49th or lower after the final two events. Mabstick’s member Sam Horsefield, in an interview with National Club Golfer, acknowledges the tension, but remains optimistic about the team’s camaraderie. We got along great these past 3 years. I’m sure that whatever happens, we’ll all still be really, really close. We’ll just have to wait and see how it transpires over the next couple of weeks, he says. Horsefield also expresses his support for the new rules, stating, “As far as I’ve been told, and no matter if you’re a captain or not, you’re gone, which I like.” The next two weeks will be crucial for the Mage Sticks co- captains as the threat of relegation looms large. If Westwood, Stinson, or Poulter are relegated, they will face significant fines to rejoin the DP World Tour after resigning their memberships. The stakes are high, and the intensity is palpable as the season draws to a close. Will the high-f flyers and the Mage sticks be able to secure their spots in the league? Or will they fall victim to the harsh realities of relegation? Only time will tell.
