Ian Poulter Announces Exit From LIV Golf Ahead of Key Deadline
The Ryder Cup legend became the second team leader in a week to confirm he will not join the proposed LIV Golf 2.0.
Ryder Cup legend Ian Poulter has announced he will leave LIV Golf, delivering another significant setback to the breakaway circuit as it approaches a critical player commitment deadline. Poulter, who served as co-captain of Majesticks GC, confirmed that he will not sign up for the league's proposed 2.0 version.
In a lengthy statement posted on social media, the 50-year-old English golfer explained that his departure was a tough decision made after extensive discussions with his family and team. He stated that his primary motivations for leaving include spending more time at home, reducing international travel, focusing on senior golf, and supporting his sons, Luke and Joshua, as they pursue their own golfing careers.
Poulter's exit follows shortly after former Open champion Louis Oosthuizen announced his departure from the league. The departures come just ahead of an October 25 deadline established by LIV leadership to secure enough player commitments to finalize a $300 million investment deal with London-based credit firm BC Partners. The league recently filed for bankruptcy protection in the United States following the withdrawal of backing from Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund in April.
Reflecting on his time with the organization, Poulter expressed pride in being part of the founding group that helped establish the league in 2022. "Clearly, LIV Golf has divided opinion, but to be part of the founding group that took world class golf around the globe, showcased our great game to a new audience, built a team brand in Majesticks GC, helped innovate tournament formats and establish a leading community impact program in Little Sticks, is something I will be forever proud of," he wrote.
Poulter is part of a growing wave of high-profile departures from the tour. Earlier, major star Jon Rahm turned down the LIV 2.0 proposal, and reports indicate that Tyrrell Hatton is also set to leave the circuit. Meanwhile, the DP World Tour has taken a much stricter stance on players returning to its circuit, with chief executive Guy Kinnings stating that competitors must choose where they play, as those who sign up for LIV 2.0 will not be permitted to hold membership in 2027.
DP World Tour winner Ewen Ferguson reacted to the shifting landscape on social media, criticizing players who previously condemned the European-based circuit only to seek a return. The DP World Tour requires membership to be eligible for the European Ryder Cup team, adding further pressure to player decisions as a commitment deadline approaches next month.
Looking ahead, Poulter plans to shift his focus toward senior golf events, having turned 50 in January, and intends to continue developing his YouTube channel. Although a one-year ban resulting from his final LIV event this year prevents him from playing on the PGA Tour Champions until next August, he remains eligible to fill out his schedule with events from the Legends Tour and the DP World Tour.