Ian Poulter has officially announced his departure from LIV Golf, becoming the latest high-profile player to reject the breakaway league’s proposed 2027 relaunch. His decision comes as fellow Englishman Tyrrell Hatton faces growing uncertainty over his own future, with LIV Golf approaching a crucial deadline to secure enough players for next season.
Poulter, 50, confirmed his decision in a social media statement on Friday, October 23, explaining that he would not be joining the restructured competition known as LIV Golf 2.0. The former Ryder Cup star said the decision followed extensive discussions with his family and management team.
After more than four years with LIV, Poulter now intends to spend more time at home, reduce international travel and focus on senior golf. He also wants to support his sons, Luke and Joshua, as they pursue their own ambitions in the sport.
The Englishman was among LIV Golf’s original recruits in 2022 and helped establish Majesticks GC alongside Lee Westwood and Henrik Stenson. Although he did not win an individual LIV tournament, he remained one of the circuit’s most outspoken supporters and played an important role in developing the team’s identity.
Poulter made clear that he did not regret joining the Saudi-backed competition, despite the controversy surrounding its arrival in professional golf. He expressed pride in helping introduce the team format to new audiences and in the community initiatives associated with Majesticks.
His departure follows similar decisions by several established players, including Jon Rahm, Sergio Garcia and Louis Oosthuizen, as LIV attempts to rebuild following the withdrawal of financial support from Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund.
The league filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in September and is negotiating a restructuring supported by BC Partners Credit. The proposed arrangement could provide up to $300 million in financing, but its future depends on securing sufficient player commitments.
An October 25 deadline has been set for players to indicate whether they will participate in the revamped competition. Although that date can be extended, the growing number of departures has added pressure on LIV officials to demonstrate that the new league can attract a competitive field.
Tyrrell Hatton’s LIV Golf Future Remains Uncertain
Hatton is another prominent European player facing a major decision. The 35-year-old joined LIV Golf in 2024 as part of Jon Rahm‘s Legion XIII team and has continued competing on the DP World Tour through arrangements that allowed him to retain membership during 2026.
Reports have suggested that Hatton could return to a fuller European schedule in 2027, particularly with the Ryder Cup taking place at Adare Manor in Ireland next September. However, an official departure announcement from Hatton has not been independently confirmed.
Speaking ahead of the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship earlier this month, Hatton declined to provide a definitive update on his future, saying that discussions were being handled behind the scenes while he concentrated on his remaining tournaments.
His decision has become more complicated following the DP World Tour’s decision to take a stricter approach to players who join LIV Golf 2.0. The conditional releases that enabled certain members to compete on both circuits applied only to the 2026 season.
With European Ryder Cup eligibility tied to DP World Tour membership, Hatton must consider the potential consequences of signing a new LIV agreement. His Legion XIII teammate Rahm has already rejected the proposed restructuring terms, adding further uncertainty about the future of one of LIV’s most successful teams.
For Poulter, the next chapter appears clearer. The Englishman is preparing to move away from LIV’s international schedule and explore opportunities in senior golf while spending more time with his family.
Hatton’s decision, meanwhile, remains one of the important unanswered questions as LIV approaches its October 25 deadline. With several recognizable names already leaving, the league faces a difficult challenge in securing the roster needed to support its proposed 2027 relaunch.