Ian Poulter says he will leave LIV Golf as proposed relaunch remains uncertain
The 50-year-old says family time, less travel and senior golf drove his decision to leave the proposed LIV 2.0 competition.
Ian Poulter said on 23 October that he will not join LIV Golf’s proposed next phase, LIV 2.0, leaving the breakaway circuit as it weighs whether to continue. The 50-year-old English golfer cited more time with his family, less international travel and a focus on senior golf.
In a social media statement reported by Reuters and BBC Sport, Poulter called the decision difficult and said he had discussed it at length with his family and team. He also wants to pursue other interests. BBC Sport reported that he hopes to help his sons, Luke and Joshua, pursue professional golf careers and develop his YouTube channel.
Poulter’s role in LIV Golf
Poulter took part in LIV’s inaugural event in June 2022 and later led Majesticks GC alongside Lee Westwood and Henrik Stenson, Reuters reported. He was a prominent defender of the Saudi Arabia-backed circuit. Reuters said he had 17 professional victories, including three on the PGA Tour, but won neither an individual nor a team title during his time with LIV.
Poulter said he remained proud to have been part of LIV’s founding group, despite acknowledging that the project had divided opinion. ‘Change is never easy,’ he said, adding that he believed it could create opportunities for golf.
What LIV Golf faces after the departures
Poulter’s announcement follows other high-profile exits. BBC Sport reported that former Open champion Louis Oosthuizen announced his departure in the same week, while two-time major winner Jon Rahm reached a separation agreement the previous week. BBC Sport said Rahm gave up a reported £75m owed to him by LIV as part of that exit.
The circuit’s next phase remains unsettled. Reuters reported that LIV was due to decide in October whether to wind down or proceed with LIV 2.0. BBC Sport said Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund withdrew its backing in April and LIV filed for bankruptcy protection in the United States the following month. It reported that possible $300m financing from BC Partners Credit could support a proposed competition in 2027, to which only a handful of players had committed.
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Sources and context
- Poulter confirms LIV Golf exit to focus on senior golf and familyReuters, republished by Channel NewsAsia
- LIV Golf: Ian Poulter becomes latest star to leave breakaway tourBBC Sport
AI-assisted article checked against the listed sources. NewsJaws did not conduct interviews or attend the reported events.