First it was Brooks Koepka, then it was Patrick Reed.
Fast forward 10 months, and the exodus of LIV Golf players has accelerated with the formerly Saudi-funded league in Chapter 11 bankruptcy court awaiting its fate for 2027 and beyond.
The players who have announced they won't be signing up to play in LIV 2.0 — a proposed 10-event schedule that will restructure the league into a player-owned model — include major champions Jon Rahm, Sergio Garcia and Louis Oosthuizen.
But what about the fates of other big name stars like Bryson DeChambeau, Joaquin Niemann and Cameron Smith as they wait out the restructuring process? An October 25 commitment deadline awaits.
For now, here's a list of notable players who have either reached a separation agreement (like Rahm) or have definitively said "no" to playing on LIV next season:
- Jon Rahm (separation agreement)
- Sergio Garcia (termination agreement)
- David Puig
- Adrian Meronk
- Louis Oosthuizen
- Charles Howell III
- Thomas Pieters
- Abraham Ancer
- Ian Poulter
- Lucas Herbert
- Tyrrell Hatton
Poulter, who joined LIV in June 2023, is the latest noteworthy name to throw up the white flag.
The 50-year-old said on social media Friday that he plans to focus on senior golf and spend more time with his family. Next month, Poulter can return to the DP World Tour where he is a 12-time winner.
However, he currently remains ineligible to join the European team at Adare Manor next September as a Ryder Cup vice captain.
"Change is never easy," Poulter said. "It's fair to say professional golf has experienced plenty of it over the last few years, but I've always believed that change can create opportunity and ultimately lead to positive outcomes. There will undoubtedly be more changes ahead, but I am confident the game will continue to grow, evolve and deliver the very best for golf fans around the world."
A few hours later, Hatton announced his departure from the league.
“A big thank you to everyone for their continued support. I am excited for what the next chapter of my career holds," he wrote on Instagram. “Looking forward to seeing you all in Abu Dhabi."
Committed players
The exact number of commitments to LIV 2.0 is unknown as of Friday, Oct. 23, but four players have vocalized their support as the deadline approaches.
LIV lawyers said this week that they will know if the league has a future by the end of the month.
Here are those four players:
- Ben Campbell
- Brendan Steele
- Cameron Tringale
- Richard Bland
"This is where I want to be," Steele recently told the media. "This has been home to me for the last four years, it's been great. I'm happy to stay."