LIV Golf League cuts five players including Bubba Watson after season finale in Chicago

The LIV Golf circuit's season ended in disappointment for five members, who were relegated from the breakaway league after the final event at LIV Chicago on Sunday evening.

Jon Rahm was crowned the individual champion at Bolingbrook Golf Club in his first year with the Saudi-backed circuit , fending off Torque GC captain Joaquin Niemann to secure a $18M bonus.

While those at the top of the standings celebrated, there was also drama at the other end of the table. Five stars found themselves below the drop zone and off the LIV roster for 2025.

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Here's a look at who they are, reports the Mirror .

Bubba Watson

Two-time major champion Bubba Watson was the biggest name to be relegated on Sunday. Initially, it seemed 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 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

Branden Grace, one of LIV's first winners in Portland back in 2022, is currently unable to make a case for his return. His performance has significantly 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, this winter.

Kalle Samooja

Kalle Samooja fully capitalised on the LIV Promotions event in 2023. The Finnish star secured one of the three spots available at the 2024 qualifying event.

However, he didn't maximise his first season with the league, ending up in the drop zone. It seemed like he would avoid relegation during Sunday's final round, but a bogey on his last hole of the day - and season - saw him fall back into the drop zone, swapping places with Pat Perez.

Kieran Vincent

Like Samooja, Kieran Vincent also earned his LIV spot via the promotional event last December. However, he mirrored his fellow competitor by falling to relegation in his first season.

Despite enjoying plenty of team success with Rahm's Legion XIII, the Zimbabwean failed to kickstart his individual campaign.

The Vincent family had a rough day, with Kieran's older brother Scott also being among the five players relegated. The Iron Heads star was one of LIV's founding members, having competed in the league's inaugural event at Centurion just over two years ago.

However, after three campaigns, his time with the Saudi-funded circuit has ended, finishing tied for 23rd alongside his brother at LIV Chicago on Sunday.

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