Graeme McDowell confirms LIV Golf exit ahead of planned 2027 season

Northern Ireland’s Graeme McDowell has decided not to join LIV Golf’s proposed 2027 competition, becoming the latest major champion to leave the Saudi-backed league as it tries to secure its future.

The 47-year-old, who won the US Open in 2010, said he had “decided not to pursue” LIV 2.0. “I’m grateful for the opportunity I’ve had over the last four years and want to thank everyone who has been part of that journey,” he said. “I look forward to the next chapter in my career.”

McDowell joined LIV when it launched in 2022. He has previously said he held “really positive” talks about returning to the DP World Tour next season, and that he was “lucky to have that option”.

Jon Rahm and Louis Oosthuizen have also confirmed they are leaving, while Tom McKibbin, Tyrrell Hatton and Ian Poulter are among other players to depart. Poulter and Hatton’s departures added to uncertainty over the league’s planned next season.

LIV filed for bankruptcy protection in the United States last month after Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund withdrew its backing in April, having invested more than $5bn, according to the BBC. The league has possible $300m financing lined up from BC Partners Credit to try to move forward with LIV 2.0, but only a handful of players have committed so far.