Ian Poulter and Tyrrell Hatton have confirmed they are quitting LIV Golf, joining an exodus of high-profile players away from the breakaway circuit. The departures follow the withdrawal of Saudi backing and a bankruptcy filing in the United States, as the tour attempts to secure financing for a proposed 2027 relaunch.
Ian Poulter and Tyrrell Hatton Leave LIV Golf
English golfers Ian Poulter and Tyrrell Hatton have confirmed their departures from LIV Golf, compounding uncertainty surrounding the future of the Saudi-backed breakaway circuit.
Poulter, a 50-year-old co-captain of the Majesticks team, joined the tour at its launch in 2022, while Hatton signed in 2024. The pair follow major champions Jon Rahm and Louis Oosthuizen, alongside Northern Ireland’s Tom McKibbin, in walking away from the circuit.
McKibbin, who joined the tour in January 2025, announced plans to return to the full DP World Tour schedule. Other departures include Abraham Ancer and David Puig, while Sergio Garcia, Thomas Pieters, Laurie Canter, and Adrian Meronk appear unlikely to remain with the league.
I wanted everyone to hear it direct from me that I have decided to not move forward with being part of LIV 2.0.
Financial Restructuring Follows Withdrawal of Public Investment Fund Support
Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund withdrew its backing in April after pumping in more than $5bn (£3.8bn). The pullback prompted the league to file for bankruptcy protection in the United States last month.
To facilitate a transition toward a proposed LIV 2.0
competition, the organisation secured a possible $300m (£224m) in financing from BC Partners Credit. However, only a handful of competitors have committed to the proposed 2027 circuit so far, with Richard Bland, Cameron Tringale, and Brendan Steele among the few players locked in.
Tyrrell Hatton is OUT ❌Hatton has become the latest big names to quit LIV Golf. He joins his teammate, Jon Rahm, as well as the likes of Ian Poulter and Louis Oosthuizen.Story: https://t.co/1XB0heuaqQ pic.twitter.com/o9TaEvJgGn
Golfers Leave LIV for Family and Career Goals
Poulter stated an intention to help his two sons, Luke and Joshua, pursue professional careers while developing his YouTube channel. He noted that reducing international travel and focusing on senior golf influenced his choice.
Hatton released a brief statement confirming he would not participate in the next phase of the circuit, while Oosthuizen described his exit as the hardest decision
of his career. Those departures follow Rahm relinquishing a reported £75m owed to him by LIV after agreeing to a separation last week.
According to ESPN, American player Bryson DeChambeau remains committed
to the organisation.
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