IAN POULTER AND TYRRELL HATTON QUIT LIV GOLF

Ian Poulter and Tyrrell Hatton have announced that they will leave LIV Golf and will not join its proposed competition for 2027. Poulter joined the Saudi Arabia-backed tour when it launched in 2022, while Hatton signed in 2024. Poulter wrote on social media: “I have decided to not move forward with being part of LIV 2.0.” Hatton also confirmed his decision on Instagram, writing: “Wanted to confirm I will not be part of a LIV 2.0.”

Jon Rahm and Louis Oosthuizen have also announced their departures from LIV Golf. Tom McKibbin has said he will leave the tour and return to the DP World Tour. Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund withdrew its backing in April after investing more than $5bn (£3.8bn) in LIV. The league sought bankruptcy protection in the United States in September. LIV has since secured a possible $300m (£224m) in financing from BC Partners Credit for its proposed 2027 competition.

Poulter said he wanted to spend more time with his family, reduce international travel and focus on senior golf and other interests. He also said he wanted to help his sons, Luke and Joshua, pursue professional careers and develop his YouTube channel. Hatton thanked supporters in his brief statement but gave no reason for leaving. Only a small number of players have committed to the proposed LIV 2.0 competition so far.