Ian Poulter will not be part of LIV 2.0 either. The Englishman announced on Friday, 23 October, that he is leaving the project he joined at its inception in 2022. Another of its founders is leaving amid the league’s reconstruction process. His decision comes just two days after the departure of Louis Oosthuizen and adds another loss among the captains.
Poulter, aged 50, has been one of the main faces of Majesticks GC and one of the most recognisable voices defending LIV. He has now decided to change his priorities, although he retains a positive view of what he experienced on the circuit.
Family, his children and senior golf
«I have decided not to be part of LIV 2.0», he says. He explains that he has pondered a difficult decision with his family and his team: he wants to be at home more, travel less, play senior events and attend to other interests.
He acknowledges the division caused by LIV, but highlights its international expansion, new audiences, innovation in formats, the building of Majesticks and the community programme Little Sticks. He feels proud of that period and believes the shared achievements go beyond those examples.
He also argues that changes can create opportunities and expresses confidence that golf will continue to evolve for the benefit of fans. He thanks the support of teammates, staff, partners and followers; highlights the memories and friendships he will keep, and wishes everyone luck for the future.
Now he wants to develop The Postman, his YouTube channel, share experiences and support his children: Luke, in his professional career, and Joshua, in his development as a teenage golfer. After so many years pursuing his own goals, he is excited to help them with theirs. He expresses his gratitude to golf and his enthusiasm for what is to come, on and off the course. «We’re not finished yet», he concludes.
The Champions, a possibility with precedent
The reference to senior golf places the PGA Tour Champions among his possible next destinations. Poulter turned 50 on 10 January and already made his debut this season at the US Senior Open, played at Scioto Country Club. On that visit he spoke of the excitement of reuniting with players he had competed against for decades and of facing courses of a length more favourable to his game.
Furthermore, the possibility of joining the US senior circuit had already been in his plans before this announcement. In June he acknowledged that he was willing to wait a year to do so, taking into account his suspension for participating in LIV. The PGA Tour has applied that period from the last participation in the rival circuit to regain eligibility in its competitions.
Therefore, his departure fits with a possible future on the Champions, but does not equate to an immediate joining nor to confirmation of a card. The statement speaks of competing in some senior events, without identifying tournaments or specifying when he might start. Poulter has three victories on the PGA Tour and twelve on the European Tour, including two World Championships.
Another loss as LIV tries to secure its future
The Englishman’s exit comes at a decisive moment for LIV. The league is immersed in a restructuring process under Chapter 11 of US bankruptcy law, initiated in September, after losing the financial backing that had sustained its first stage.
The agreement announced with BC Partners Credit provides for up to $300 million in financing, subject to court approval and other conditions. The proposal for continuity involves a structure in which players would have stakes in the league and in the teams.
While that model is being finalised, refusals keep coming. Jon Rahm had already ruled out participating and Oosthuizen announced this week his intention to leave, also with the desire to better manage his travel and his schedule. 25 October had been indicated as the tentative date to learn the players’ commitments.
Poulter’s doubts predated this. At the end of the season, in August, he had already said he did not know whether he would continue or take some time. He then defended the opportunity that LIV had offered him in the final part of his career and expressed concern for the suppliers who were owed payments.
Meanwhile, he had begun to recover other competitive possibilities. After settling his fines with the DP World Tour, he returned in early October at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, his first appearance on the European Tour in more than three years.
