Poulter leaves LIV Golf for family and new ambitions

Ian Poulter has confirmed he is leaving LIV Golf, becoming the latest star to abandon the Saudi-backed breakaway tour as its future hangs in the balance ^[1]. The 50-year-old Englishman, a Ryder Cup legend and co-captain of the Majesticks team, said he will not be part of LIV 2.0, the proposed restructured version of the league ^[2]. His departure follows a wave of exits including Jon Rahm, Louis Oosthuizen, Abraham Ancer and David Puig, with only a handful of players committed to the new model.

Poulter cited personal reasons for his decision, saying he wants to spend more time with his family, reduce international travel, and support his sons Luke and Joshua as they pursue professional golf careers ^[2]. He also highlighted his growing YouTube channel, The Postman, as a key motivation ^[1].

The league, which lost its $5bn backing from Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund in April, filed for bankruptcy protection in the US last month ^[1]. It is now seeking $300m in new financing from BC Partners Credit to launch LIV 2.0 in 2027, but has struggled to secure commitments.

Poulter acknowledged the controversy surrounding LIV, admitting it has ‘clearly divided opinion’, but said he remains proud of his role in its founding group ^[1]. He praised fans, teammates and staff, and expressed confidence that golf will continue to evolve for the better.

His exit comes as the DP World Tour deadline for player commitments to LIV 2.0 looms on 25 October ^[2]. While some, like Richard Bland and Cameron Tringale, have signed on, the league’s survival may depend on luring top stars such as Bryson DeChambeau, who has been reported by ESPN to remain committed — though this has not been confirmed ^[1].

Poulter recently played at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, his first DP World Tour event in over three years, suggesting a potential return to the traditional circuit ^[2]. The story was first reported by BBC News and The Independent.