Greg Norman issued brutal relegation warning to LIV Golf stars as dumping looms

Greg Norman's relegation warning to members of the LIV Golf setup is as relevant as ever this week, as the breakaway league's 2024 regular season wraps up in Chicago on Sunday.

While LIV's campaign officially concludes at the Team Championship in Dallas next week, the individual aspect of the Saudi-backed circuit's season reaches its peak in Chicago, with plenty at stake at both ends of the year-long standings. At the top of the table, Jon Rahm and Joaquin Niemann are vying for the $18 million bonus awarded to the league's seasonal champion.

On the flip side, numerous players risk losing their right to compete in the LIV league in 2025, with the four players in the drop zone at the end of play on Sunday facing relegation.

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Currently in the four bottom spots are brothers Kieran and Scott Vincent, along with Kalle Samooja and Branden Grace. Just above the dreaded drop line, but still in the relegation fight, are 4Aces duo Pat Perez and Harold Varner III, leaving their captain Dustin Johnson with a potential problem.

Losing a spot on the LIV roster will prove a significant blow for those at risk, but the bottom six will have one last opportunity to secure their membership over 54 holes at Bolingbrook Golf Club. The relegation battle has intensified in recent weeks, with the season finale rapidly approaching.

During the season's climax, LIV CEO Norman issued a stern warning to those struggling with their form. "We are in the meat and bones of the season," the former world No. 1 declared at LIV Golf UK in July. "Players know there is relegation coming up and things are going to change up very quickly...

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These guys who are on the edge have got to pull their socks up and get themselves going."With four spots set to be left vacant by those who are relegated, this means some new faces will make their way into the breakaway league for 2025, and according to Norman there are plenty of players on the outside looking in.

The CEO believes this interest from elsewhere is driving those already apart of the LIV roster to keep hold of their places. "We knew that we had to create this pathway of opportunity for the next generation," Norman added. "And there are players out there with FOMO [fear of missing out] right now. "They want to get in.

"So the players who are in, know that there's that FOMO wanting to get in, and they don't want to get out. I see the intensity on the driving ranges. Each and every day, practice round, first round, even this morning you can see it elevating. " One spot for 2025 will be handed to the Asian Tour's International Series Order of Merit winner, with three more places handed out via LIV Golf Promotions in December.

Players who finished outside the relegation zone but below the top-24 could also be in danger of losing their spot if they don't have a contract for 2025, due to falling into the 'Open Zone'. The 13 franchises have the freedom to negotiate with these players, as well as with players from other tours.