Hatton and Poulter leave LIV Golf as relaunch faces player deadline

Tyrrell Hatton and Ian Poulter confirmed on Friday, October 23, that they will not take part in LIV Golf's proposed relaunch, adding to the departures from the circuit as it attempts to reorganise for 2027. Sky Sports reported that Tom McKibbin and Branden Grace also announced their exits on the same day, with a player commitment deadline approaching.

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Poulter, who joined LIV at its launch in 2022, said his decision followed discussions with his family and team. According to BBC Sport, the 50-year-old wants to spend more time at home, cut back on international travel and concentrate on senior golf. He also plans to support his sons Luke and Joshua as they pursue professional careers and develop his YouTube channel.

Hatton joined the league in 2024 and announced his departure in a brief Instagram statement. He thanked supporters and expressed enthusiasm for the next stage of his career, while also referring to seeing fans in Abu Dhabi. Sportsnet reported that he did not explain his reasons for leaving. His statement confirmed his own decision without setting out a detailed account of what comes next.

McKibbin, meanwhile, intends to play a full DP World Tour schedule in 2027, BBC Sport reported. The Northern Irishman joined LIV in January 2025 and said he had considered which path would best help him achieve his goals. He and Hatton had played for Jon Rahm's Legion XIII team; Rahm has also reached an agreement to leave the league.

The departures come during a restructuring process that followed the withdrawal of Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund backing. Sky Sports reported that LIV filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in September and is seeking to continue with backing from BC Partners Credit. The proposed return in 2027 remains dependent on the restructuring effort rather than being a settled outcome.

The initial deadline for player commitments is October 25, but BC Partners Credit can extend or waive it, according to Sky Sports. LIV attorney Robert Fitzgerald said earlier in the week that the league expected to know by the end of the month whether it would proceed or stop operating. That leaves the wider competition's future unresolved despite the players' confirmed individual decisions.