LIV Golf commentator gives at-risk duo home truths: "They haven't been competitive"

LIV Golf commentator Jerry Foltz pulled no punches in assessing the underwhelming form of Henrik Stenson and Ian Poulter. 

The former European Ryder Cup stars were among the first wave of players to be recruited by the PIF-backed breakaway in June 2022. 

But the co-captains of the Majesticks, whose contracts are understood to expire next month, could both be relegated from the rival league in two weeks' time. 

Stenson sits perilously close to the cut mark whilst Poulter is currently in the dreaded drop zone. 

To this point, captains have been exempt from relegation but all that will change this year; cut means cut. 

The move is understood to be part of LIV's renewed bid to get accredited by the Official World Golf Ranking. 

"They show signs of that brilliance that got them with to the place where they... where each of those guys enjoys a reputation as players and legends within the game if you will, but they haven't been competitive," Foltz said after the first round of LIV's stop in Chicago at Bolingbrook Golf Club. 

"Many of them are getting to what would be the sunset of their competitive career. Phil Mickelson and Richard Bland, of course, they give you hope that that's not the case yet. 

"But the results have not been there for Poulter this year. Stenson's had an off year [Lee] Westwood started playing better. But he's still at one point today was in the relegation zone.

"What does it mean to one of the most successful franchises out here if they lose one two or even three players all?"

LIV's on-course commentator Su-Ann Heng said it was 'shocking' the pair are even threatening relegation.

There could be a way back for at least one player in December, with the winner of LIV's 'Promotions' event securing a golden ticket to the league in 2026.

Both could also head to the Asian Tour next year and try and earn their spot back via the International Series.

"They're gone unless they win the promotion of it for one spot," Foltz said.

"They're gone so the team will have to face those... they're gonna have to have some really really tough talks.

"The guys can hope they can play their way back in through the International Series or wherever they choose to try and ply their trade moving forward, but if they're gone, they're gone and the team has to face that reality.

"Then it's then it's a question of who do we go get now? Who can we go get? And we can speculate on that until the cows come home, of course."

Poulter and Stenson have not revealed what they plan to do should their time with LIV come to an end. 

Both could attempt to try and resurrect their careers on the DP World Tour, although that prospect seems unlikely.

The more likely scenario would see both moving into administrative and mentoring roles with the Majesticks.