Poulter and Hatton confirm LIV exits ahead of proposed 2027 relaunch

Ian Poulter and Tyrrell Hatton have confirmed they will not continue with LIV Golf's proposed next version, adding to the departures as the league seeks to relaunch in 2027. Sky Sports reported that both English players announced their decisions on Friday, October 23, with Tom McKibbin and Branden Grace also confirming their exits that day.

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Poulter, 50, was among the players who joined the Saudi-backed circuit when it launched in 2022. BBC Sport's reporting, syndicated by Yahoo Sports, said he now wants to help his sons Luke and Joshua pursue professional careers and develop his YouTube channel. His departure follows those of Jon Rahm, Louis Oosthuizen and Sergio Garcia, other prominent names who have decided against continuing with LIV.

Hatton delivered his decision in a short Instagram message, thanking supporters and looking ahead to Abu Dhabi. Golf Channel reported that he was referring to the DP World Tour's Abu Dhabi Aldar Championship, scheduled for November 5-8. The 35-year-old had spent the past three seasons with LIV. His announcement confirmed he would not join LIV 2.0 but did not set out a detailed explanation for the decision.

The player announcements come during a financial restructuring rather than a settled transition to another season. According to Sky Sports, Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund ended its funding earlier this season, and LIV filed a Chapter 11 bankruptcy-protection petition in September. BC Partners Credit has since become involved as the league works towards a possible return in 2027.

Sportsnet reported that BC Partners Credit has pledged $300 million for the proposed new competition. Its report said the restructuring agreement requires a sufficient group of players to support a professional league, with the investor deciding whether the commitments meet that requirement. Several leading players had not publicly committed at the time of that reporting.

An initial player deadline is set for October 25, but it is not necessarily final. Sky Sports reported that BC Partners Credit can extend or waive it. LIV attorney Robert Fitzgerald said the league should know by the end of the month whether it would continue or cease operations, leaving the outcome unresolved.