Ian Poulter quits LIV Golf as exodus of star names continues

Ian Poulter has confirmed he will not take part in LIV Golf’s proposed next phase, telling followers on his social media channels on 23 October 2026 that he has decided "to not move forward with being part of LIV 2.0." The 50-year-old Englishman’s announcement adds to a string of high-profile departures from the Saudi Arabia-backed breakaway circuit.

Poulter was among a large group of players who joined LIV when it launched in 2022 and had been a vocal defender of the project. Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund withdrew its backing in April after having pumped in more than $5bn, and LIV filed for bankruptcy protection in the United States last month. The league has secured a potential $300m in financing from BC Partners Credit to try to progress with a reworked plan branded 'LIV 2.0'.

Poulter said he wants to spend more time at home and support his two sons, Luke and Joshua, in pursuing professional careers while developing his YouTube channel, and explained his decision in a social media post. "I wanted everyone to hear it direct from me that I have decided to not move forward with being part of LIV 2.0," Poulter wrote. "Needless to say, it was a tough decision and one I thought about and discussed at length with my family and team. "Ultimately, the opportunity to spend more time at home with my family, reduce international travel, focus on senior golf and have the opportunity to pursue other interests was something that I felt was right for me at this stage of my life and career."

Former world number five Poulter served as co-captain of the Majesticks team alongside fellow Englishman and Ryder Cup figure Lee Westwood, whose own plans have not been clarified. Poulter also said in his statement that LIV has "clearly divided opinion" and that he will be "forever proud" to be part of its founding group.

Poulter's departure follows announcements this week from other prominent names, including 2010 Open champion Louis Oosthuizen, who captained the Southern Guards GC team and described quitting as the "hardest decision" of his career. Jon Rahm reached a separation agreement last week that saw him sacrifice a reported £75m owed to him by LIV, while Abraham Ancer and David Puig have also left the circuit.

Several established players appear unlikely to remain with LIV, with Sergio Garcia, Thomas Pieters, Tom McKibbin, Laurie Canter and Adrian Meronk listed among those expected to depart. By contrast, Richard Bland, Cameron Tringale and Brendan Steele are named as three of the few players who have committed to the second phase of the breakaway circuit.

LIV's immediate trajectory remains tied to recruitment and financing: the organisation has secured the potential $300m from BC Partners Credit to underpin 'LIV 2.0', but only a handful of players have so far committed to the proposed competition in 2027. The league's ability to attract further signings has been framed around whether it can secure the signature of Bryson DeChambeau, who ESPN reported earlier this week "remains committed" to the league.