Ian Poulter and Tyrrell Hatton have become the latest high-profile player to exit the floundering LIV Golf circuit.
The breakaway league is hoping to avoid Chapter 11 bankruptcy by trying to establish ‘LIV 2.0’ with new investment, following the decision by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) to cut its funding for the circuit this April.
LIV is to make a decision on whether to cease operations or proceed with a scaled-down model this month, with the 25 October deadline for players to confirm their interest in staying on rapidly approaching.
Poulter, who co-captained the Majesticks team, has announced he will not be part of the league’s new incarnation. He recently appeared at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, his first start at a DP World Tour event in more than three years, while an exit from LIV appeared more likely after he settled fines with the DP World Tour reportedly worth over $1m.
Poulter said it was a “tough decision” to leave in a lengthy statement, in which he said he would relish “the opportunity to spend more time at home with my family, reduce international travel, focus on senior golf and have the opportunity to pursue other interests”.
And Hatton, in a much more brief statement, confirmed his future lied away from LIV 2.0.
The Ryder Cup-winning duo made their announcements at the end of a week in which Louis Oosthuizen announced his intention to return to the DP World Tour next year, while his fellow major champions Jon Rahm and Sergio Garcia have already confirmed their golfing futures lie elsewhere.
Poulter, the two-time World Golf Championship winner, said in a statement: “I wanted everyone to hear it direct from me that I have decided to not move forward with being part of LIV 2.0. Needless to say, it was a tough decision and one I thought about and discussed at length with my family and team.
“Ultimately, the opportunity to spend more time at home with my family, reduce international travel, focus on senior golf and have the opportunity to pursue other interests was something that I felt was right for me at this stage of my life and career.”
The Englishman conceded that LIV Golf had “divided opinion” but said what he achieved while on the tour “is something I will forever be proud of”, thanking the fans, his teammates and staff for their support.
He continued: “I’m looking forward to spending more time with my family, continuing to develop The Postman YouTube channel, sharing more of my life, golf, experiences and competing in some senior events.”
The 50-year-old also said he was looking forward to spending more time golfing with sons Luke and Joshua, with the former pursuing a career as a professional.
“Having spent so many years travelling the world chasing my own golfing dreams, the opportunity to now spend more time supporting my boys as they chase theirs is something that means a great deal to me,” he said.
Hatton wrote on his Instagram story on Friday evening: “Wanted to confirm that I will not be a part of LIV 2.0. A big thank you to everyone for their continued support. I am excited for what the next chapter of my career holds.”
Includes reporting from PA