Bubba Watson Opens Up on LIV Golf Stress as Brutal Format Takes Shape

LONDON (July 2025) — Two-time Masters champion Bubba Watson has delivered a candid account of the mounting stress and pressure gripping players on the LIV Golf League. In a press conference at this year’s LIV Golf UK event, Watson described the intensity of the season’s closing stages as a crucible for competitors scrambling to secure contracts and avoid relegation.

“A Lot More Stress, 100 Percent”

Watson acknowledged the unforgiving reality facing LIV players:

“There’s a lot more stress, 100 percent. … They’re trying to stay in the top 48. … There’s a lot of movement … because they know what’s on the line to be in an elite league like this.” Reddit+15Sportskeeda+15SI+15Daily Express US+13The Citizen+13Reddit+13

With only the top 24 guaranteed spots for the following season—and those ranking 49th and below facing relegation—Watson emphasized that every shot could carry major consequences.

A Season Defined by Struggle

Reflecting on his own journey, Watson described the past couple of years as mentally, physically, and competitively draining. Despite a promising start at the UK event, where he found himself in solo second midway through, Watson said:

“The last couple years, it’s been a struggle mentally, physically and golf‑wise … I’m like 30th or 31st in points … a high finish puts me close to top 24.” SportskeedaSportskeeda+1Golf+1

Format Frenzy: A Player’s Perspective

Watson has also been vocal about structural differences between LIV and the PGA Tour. He noted:

“On LIV, it’s tougher because you’ve got 14 weeks and you have to play in all 14… you have to change your game and try to figure out your game with how you can play and attack each course, even though it might not be the courses you want to play at.” Golf Monthly

By contrast, the PGA Tour offers around 40 events, enabling players to selectively build a schedule around courses that suit their style and preserve performance consistency.

LIV’s Relegation System: Brutal but Fair?

Watson has embraced the league’s increasingly rigid relegation rules. After narrowly avoiding the drop zone in 2024, he has thrown his support behind reforms to clear the path for new talent and reinforce credibility.

“Look at any tour around the world… you lose your card [for poor play]… we have to start setting a precedent to get new people in … That’s how it’s gonna grow.” Reddit+8Golf Monthly+8Reddit+8Reddit+4SI+4Golf+4

His push for accountability underscores a belief: maintaining competitive integrity—even through harsh mechanics—is essential for LIV’s legitimacy as a global tour.

Mental Realities Behind the Flash

Watson’s reflections come amid broader conversations about the toll of LIV’s relentless format: shotgun starts, team scoring, and absence of cuts have drawn criticism for diluting drama and heightening fatigue. According to fan commentary, LIV’s altered pacing and broadcast presentation can leave both players and viewers disoriented.RedditReddit

What This Means for LIV and Players Like Watson

As the season draws to a close, Watson’s words underscore a league in transition: grappling with internal pressure, structural upheaval, and the quest for legitimacy. For Watson himself, the fight is both personal and professional—a battle to reclaim his form, avoid contractual jeopardy, and help LIV evolve.


🔍 Key Takeaways

  • Season stakes are high: Only top 24 players are assured spots; others are at serious risk of relegation.
  • Compressed schedule intensifies game planning: Unlike PGA’s selective structure, LIV requires participation in all events—good or bad.
  • Mental grit is vital: Watson has openly discussed the mental strain and admitted recent seasons have been a personal challenge.
  • LIV is betting on accountability: Relegation rules and transparency are seen as necessary for growing interest and credibility.

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