Ryder Cup legend Ian Poulter has confirmed he is quitting LIV Golf, becoming the latest marquee name to walk away from the breakaway tour and leaving its future looking increasingly uncertain.
Ian Poulter (Image Credits: BBC Sport)
The 50-year-old Englishman was one of the stars lured by LIV when the Saudi Arabia-backed project launched in 2022, and he was among its most vocal defenders when the circuit drew heavy criticism. Poulter served as co-captain of the Majesticks team alongside fellow Ryder Cup icon Lee Westwood.
Why Ian Poulter Is Leaving LIV Golf
“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 on social media. He called it a tough decision discussed at length with his family and team, adding that the chance to “spend more time at home with my family, reduce international travel, focus on senior golf” felt right at this stage of his career.
Poulter said he wants to help his two sons, Luke and Joshua, pursue professional golf careers, and to develop his YouTube channel.
LIV Golf Exodus: Rahm, Oosthuizen, Garcia Head for the Exit
Poulter’s departure caps a brutal week for the circuit. Two-time major winner Jon Rahm gave up a reported £75m owed to him after reaching a separation agreement, while 2010 Open champion Louis Oosthuizen quit, calling it the “hardest decision” of his career. Abraham Ancer and David Puig are also leaving, and Sergio Garcia, Thomas Pieters, Tom McKibbin, Laurie Canter and Adrian Meronk all look unlikely to stay.
The context is grim: Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund withdrew its backing in April after pumping in more than $5bn, the league filed for bankruptcy protection in the United States last month, and only a handful of players — including Richard Bland, Cameron Tringale and Brendan Steele — have committed to the proposed LIV 2.0 in 2027. Much may hinge on Bryson DeChambeau, who ESPN reported “remains committed” to the league.
Poulter acknowledged LIV has “clearly divided opinion” but said he will be “forever proud” to be part of its founding group: “Change is never easy… But I’ve always believed that change can create opportunity and ultimately lead to positive outcomes.”
Also Read: Former Open Champion Louis Oosthuizen Quits LIV Golf Amid Growing Exodus
Source: BBC Sport — read the full story there.
