Ian Poulter Leaves LIV Golf as Star Exodus Continues

WHO:

Daily Mail Sports - Ian Poulter joined the LIV Golf exodus, becoming the latest big name to leave the breakaway tour.

BBC - English golfers Ian Poulter and Tyrrell Hatton confirmed they are quitting LIV Golf.

BBC - Poulter, 50, joined LIV Golf when it launched as a Saudi Arabia-backed project; Hatton joined the tour in 2024.

BBC - Major champions Jon Rahm and Louis Oosthuizen had also announced their departures.

BBC - Poulter said he wants to support his sons, Luke and Joshua, in pursuing professional golf careers and develop his YouTube channel.

BBC - Hatton, 35, announced his decision in a brief statement on Instagram.

WHAT:

Daily Mail Sports - Poulter’s departure heightened uncertainty about LIV Golf’s future.

BBC - Poulter wrote, “I have decided to not move forward with being part of LIV 2.0.”

BBC - Hatton wrote, “I will not be part of a LIV 2.0,” and said, “I am excited for what the next chapter of my career holds.”

BBC - LIV Golf filed for bankruptcy protection in the United States.

BBC - BC Partners Credit offered possible financing of $300m (£224m) for LIV Golf’s proposed “LIV 2.0”; only a handful of players had committed to the proposed 2027 competition.

BBC - Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund withdrew its backing after investing more than $5bn (£3.8bn) in LIV Golf.

WHERE:

BBC - LIV Golf filed for bankruptcy protection in the United States.

BBC - Poulter said he wants to spend more time at home with his family and reduce international travel.

WHY:

BBC - Poulter said the decision followed extensive consideration and discussions with his family and team. He cited more time with family, less international travel, senior golf, and other interests as reasons.

BBC - Hatton thanked supporters for their continued support.

HOW:

BBC - Poulter announced his decision on his social media channels; Hatton announced his in an Instagram statement.

English golfers Ian Poulter and Tyrrell Hatton have announced they are leaving LIV Golf, adding to uncertainty about the breakaway tour’s future. Poulter, 50, said he would not take part in the proposed “LIV 2.0” after extensive discussions with his family and team. He wants to spend more time at home, reduce international travel, support his sons Luke and Joshua as they pursue professional golf, and focus on senior golf and other interests, including his YouTube channel. Hatton, 35, also ruled out joining LIV 2.0, saying he was excited about the next chapter of his career. Their exits follow announcements by major champions Jon Rahm and Louis Oosthuizen. LIV has filed for bankruptcy protection in the United States, and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund has withdrawn its backing after investing more than $5 billion.