Ian Poulter has become the latest high-profile golfer to confirm that he will leave LIV Golf, as uncertainty grows on which players will feature in any proposed new iteration of the circuit.
LIV Golf saw Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) ended their funding earlier this season but have since secured investment from BC Partners Credit, as they look to relaunch and continue in 2027.
The league filed for bankruptcy protection in September with a Chapter 11 petition, which they said was to “preserve the company’s business” as it attempts to restructure, with players left to decide whether they wish to re-sign with LIV Golf.
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Poulter has been part of LIV Golf since their inaugural 2022 event in London and has been a co-captain of Majesticks GC over the last four seasons, but the Englishman has elected against being part of the proposed new LIV schedule to “pursue other interests”.
In a statement issued on social media, Poulter said: “I wanted everyone to hear it direct from me that I have decided to not move forward with being part of LIV 2.0.
“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.”
‘I’m excited about what lies ahead’ – Poulter looks to the future
Jon Rahm reached a separation agreement to leave LIV Golf and Sergio Garcia exited his contract with the circuit, with only a handful of players currently publicly committing to re-signing ahead of their initial deadline later this month.
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Poulter’s departure comes two days after former Open Championship winner Louis Oosthuizen confirmed he will also leave LIV Golf, which he described as the “hardest decision he has had to make in his career”.
On his own future plans, Poulter added: “I’m genuinely excited about this next chapter.
“I’m looking forward to spending more time with my family, continuing to develop The Postman YouTube channel, sharing more of my life, golf, experiences and competing in some senior events.
“Something I am also particularly looking forward to is being able to spend more time helping [eldest son], Luke as he pursues his career in professional golf, and [youngest son] Joshua as he looks to develop as a golfer in his teenage years.
“Having spent so many years traveling the world chasing my own golfing dreams, the opportunity to now spend more time supporting my boys as they chase theirs is something that means a great deal to me.
“After all these years, golf has given me so much, and I’m excited about what lies ahead, both on and off the course. Thanks again to everyone who has been part of the journey so far! We certainly aren’t done yet!”
BC Partners Credit retain the right to extend or waive the October 25 player deadline, while LIV Golf attorney Robert Fitzgerald said earlier this week that they should know by the end of the month whether it will be ceasing operations or moving forward.
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