Bubba Watson Open to Playing in 2025 LIV Season Despite Relegation Concerns
With his future in the LIV Golf series uncertain, RangeGoats GC captain Bubba Watson has expressed his desire to continue playing next season, despite having finished in the relegation zone for the current campaign. Watson, a two-time Masters champion, shared his plans in an interview with Bunkered, a UK-based golf website, revealing that he is exploring all options available for the 2025 season.
“My dream scenario is to play next year,” Watson said. “I’m the owner, so if I really want to, I can put myself in there. We just have to see what’s out there and what’s available.”
At 46, Watson’s form has been inconsistent, with the veteran golfer failing to secure a top-10 finish in any LIV event since May 2023. Additionally, he missed the cut at the Saudi International, an Asian Tour event featuring 41 other LIV Golf members. Despite his challenges on the course, Watson remains determined to return to action in 2025, stressing the importance of finding the right fit for his team.
LIV Golf’s Player Signings: Teams Competing for Top Talent
Watson also shed light on the ongoing competition within LIV Golf for marquee players during the offseason. According to Watson, multiple teams are actively vying for the signature of a single player, driving up the stakes in the recruitment process.
“People want a lot of money. After we took the chance and did all the hard work to get the league started, some people now think they’re owed as well,” Watson explained. “There are a few names out there, and a couple of teams are battling for the same person.”
Watson emphasized that he is not solely focused on American players, revealing that he is scouting globally for new talent, including the best amateurs who could strengthen his team in the long run. He hinted that his focus is also on adding youth to his squad, a strategy he hopes will help them remain competitive in the future.
“I would love to see a bit more youth on my team,” Watson said. “We’ve got to make moves fast.”
Bubba Watson Will Step Aside for Rory McIlroy
In a lighthearted moment, Watson joked about stepping aside to make room for golf’s biggest names. When asked about potential future signings, Watson playfully suggested that if Rory McIlroy were interested in joining his team, he would be more than willing to step down.
“Rory might call me and say, ‘Hey man, can I have a spot?’” Watson joked. “That’s what I’m saying, we’ve got to wait and see.”
While the scenario remains hypothetical, Watson’s comments reflect the high-profile nature of player signings in LIV Golf, where marquee names like McIlroy could change the landscape of the league.
Uncertain Futures for Other LIV Players
Alongside Watson, Pat Perez, the 48-year-old member of the 4Aces, faces an uncertain future with LIV Golf as his contract expires on January 1. Perez, who has struggled to perform this season, did not finish in the top-10 in any 2024 event and also missed the cut at the Saudi International. His form has raised questions about his role in LIV Golf moving forward.
Meanwhile, Thomas Pieters, who was recently acquired by the 4Aces, has shown promising form in the Saudi International. The 32-year-old Belgian golfer posted back-to-back rounds of 67 and is currently tied for 11th place in the event, raising hopes for a successful season in 2025.
With the 2025 season approaching, LIV Golf is in the midst of significant changes and competition for talent. As Watson and his peers look to secure new signings and revamp their teams, the offseason promises to be an exciting period for the league.
