LONDON — Ryder Cup legend Ian Poulter has become the latest star name to quit LIV Golf, leaving the Saudi Arabia-backed breakaway tour facing an increasingly uncertain future. The 50-year-old Englishman, former world number five and co-captain of the Majesticks alongside fellow Ryder Cup icon Lee Westwood, confirmed he will not be part of LIV 2.0 after Saudi's Public Investment Fund withdrew backing in April following more than $5bn (£3.8bn) of investment, a move that led the league to file for bankruptcy protection in the United States last month.
"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 his social media channels. "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."
Poulter, who was among the plethora of stars lured when LIV launched in 2022 and was a staunch defender of the circuit when it was criticised, said he wants to help his two sons, Luke and Joshua, pursue professional careers as well as develop his YouTube channel. He follows Jon Rahm, Louis Oosthuizen and Sergio Garcia in announcing his departure, with Thomas Pieters, Abraham Ancer, David Puig and Adrian Meronk also having left. Former Open champion Oosthuizen, who captained Southern Guards GC, said quitting was the "hardest decision" of his career, while two-time major winner Rahm last week gave up a reported £75m owed to him by LIV after reaching a separation agreement.
LIV has secured a possible $300m (£224m) in financing from BC Partners Credit to try and move forward with LIV 2.0, but only a handful of players have so far committed to the proposed competition in 2027. Westwood's future plans remain unclear. The league's future could hinge on whether it can secure the signature of American superstar Bryson DeChambeau, who ESPN reported earlier this week "remains committed" to the league.
"Change is never easy and it's fair to say professional golf has experienced plenty of it over the last few years," Poulter added. "But I've always believed that change can create opportunity and ultimately lead to positive outcomes. There will undoubtedly be more changes ahead, but I am confident the game will continue to grow, evolve, and deliver the very best for golf fans around the world." He acknowledged LIV has "clearly divided opinion", but said he will be "forever proud" to be part of its founding group.