Poulter and Hatton confirm LIV exits ahead of proposed 2027 relaunch

Ian Poulter and Tyrrell Hatton have confirmed they will leave LIV Golf and will not join its proposed 2027 relaunch, BBC Sport reported on Friday. Their decisions add to the departures of Jon Rahm and Louis Oosthuizen as the league attempts to assemble a field for the next version of its competition.

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Poulter, 50, explained his decision in a statement published on social media. He said he had discussed the choice extensively with his family and team before deciding that fewer overseas trips, more time at home and opportunities in senior golf better suited this stage of his career. His announcement did not amount to a retirement from competitive golf.

In the statement reproduced by Golf Monthly, Poulter also set out plans beyond tournament play. He intends to develop The Postman YouTube channel and spend more time supporting his sons' golf. Luke is pursuing a professional career, while Joshua is developing his game as a teenager. Poulter described helping them pursue their ambitions as an important part of his next chapter.

Poulter had been involved with LIV since its first event in London in 2022, Sky Sports reported, and served as a Majesticks co-captain during his four seasons with the league. Although he acknowledged the division caused by the circuit, his farewell statement expressed pride in its international reach, team-building and community work. He also thanked teammates, staff, partners and supporters for their part in his time there.

Hatton, who joined LIV in 2024 and played for Rahm's Legion XIII team, announced his departure in a shorter Instagram statement, according to the BBC. He confirmed that he would not participate in LIV 2.0 and expressed enthusiasm for the next stage of his career, without setting out a new playing schedule in that statement.

The exits come with the relaunch still uncertain. BBC Sport reported that Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund withdrew its backing in April and LIV sought US bankruptcy protection in September. Potential financing of $300 million from BC Partners Credit is intended to support the proposed 2027 competition, but only a small number of players have committed so far.