Poulter and Hatton leave LIV Golf as departures mount

Ian Poulter and Tyrrell Hatton have confirmed they will leave LIV Golf rather than join its proposed 2027 competition, adding to a string of high-profile departures that leaves the Saudi-backed tour’s future uncertain.

Poulter, 50, said he wanted to spend more time with his family, reduce international travel, focus on senior golf and pursue other interests. He also said he hoped to support his sons’ professional ambitions and develop his YouTube channel.

Hatton, 35, announced his decision in a brief Instagram statement, saying he was excited about the next chapter of his career. The Englishmen joined LIV in 2022 and 2024 respectively.

They follow major champions Jon Rahm and Louis Oosthuizen, as well as Northern Ireland’s Tom McKibbin, in saying they will not continue with the league. LIV has also seen Abraham Ancer and David Puig leave, while the futures of several other players remain uncertain.

Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund withdrew its backing in April after investing more than $5bn, and LIV filed for bankruptcy protection in the US last month. The league has lined up possible $300m financing from BC Partners Credit, but the arrangement still requires court approval. Only a handful of players have committed to the proposed 2027 competition, according to BBC Sport.

Poulter was co-captain of the Majesticks alongside Lee Westwood, whose plans remain unclear. Hatton was part of Jon Rahm’s Legion XIII team. LIV’s prospects may depend in part on whether it can retain American star Bryson DeChambeau; ESPN reported this week that he remained committed to the league.