Graeme McDowell confirms he will not pursue LIV 2.0 and exits LIV Golf

Northern Ireland's Graeme McDowell announced on Monday that he has "decided not to pursue" LIV 2.0, confirming his departure from the LIV Golf breakaway tour.

The 47-year-old 2010 US Open champion joined LIV when it launched in 2022. Former world number four McDowell has 11 DP World Tour victories. His best finish on LIV was a tie for second in Virginia in June 2025.

"I've decided not to pursue LIV 2.0," said four-time Ryder Cup player McDowell. "I'm grateful for the opportunity I've had over the last four years and want to thank everyone who has been part of that journey. "I look forward to the next chapter in my career."

Major winners Jon Rahm and Louis Oosthuizen have also confirmed their departures from LIV, while McDowell's fellow countryman Tom McKibbin said he was exiting LIV to return to the DP World Tour last week. England's Tyrrell Hatton and Ian Poulter have also left the competition. Only a handful of players have so far committed to the proposed LIV 2.0.

Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund withdrew its backing from LIV in April and had pumped in more than $5bn (£3.8bn), leading to the league filing for bankruptcy protection in the United States last month. It has secured a possible $300m (£224m) in financing from BC Partners Credit to try to move forward with "LIV 2.0".

Earlier this year McDowell told BBC Sport NI he had held "really positive" talks about returning to the DP World Tour next season, adding he was "lucky to have that option".