Poulter and Hatton confirm LIV exits as McKibbin plans DP World Tour return

Ian Poulter and Tyrrell Hatton confirmed on Friday that they will not join LIV Golf’s proposed relaunch, adding to the departures confronting the circuit as it attempts to continue in 2027. BBC Sport reported the English pair’s decisions, while Tom McKibbin also announced that he would leave and resume a full DP World Tour schedule next year.

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Poulter, 50, was part of LIV’s original intake in 2022. According to BBC Sport, he said his decision followed discussions with his family and team, with less overseas travel, more time at home and senior golf among his priorities. He also wants to support sons Luke and Joshua as they pursue professional careers and develop his YouTube channel.

Hatton, who joined LIV in 2024, announced his departure in a short Instagram statement. Sky Sports reported that he ruled out taking part in LIV 2.0 and pointed to Abu Dhabi as his next destination. His announcement came on the same day as Poulter’s and two days after Louis Oosthuizen confirmed that he was leaving the circuit.

McKibbin’s decision gives him a defined plan for the coming season. RTÉ reported that the 23-year-old intends to play a full DP World Tour schedule in 2027 after two seasons with Legion XIII. In his announcement, he thanked teammates Jon Rahm, Hatton and Caleb Surratt, along with the team staff, and said he had considered which route would best serve his goals.

The Northern Irishman won the European Open in 2023 before joining LIV at the beginning of 2025, according to RTÉ. His return follows a warning from DP World Tour chief executive Guy Kinnings that players signing up for LIV in 2027 would be barred from competing on the European circuit next season. The choice of tour therefore carries consequences beyond individual tournament entries.

LIV’s own next step remains unresolved. Sky Sports reported that the league sought Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in September after Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund ended its funding. BC Partners Credit can extend or waive the October 25 player commitment deadline. LIV attorney Robert Fitzgerald said the league expected clarity by the end of October on whether it would continue operating or close.