Poulter & Hatton leave LIV as exodus continues

Englishmen Ian Poulter and Tyrrell Hatton are the latest star names to confirm they are quitting LIV Golf - leaving the breakaway tour's future looking increasingly uncertain.

Poulter joined LIV when it launched as a Saud Arabia-backed project in 2022, while Hatton signed up in 2024.

But the pair have followed major champions Jon Rahm and Louis Oosthuizen in announcing their departures.

Saudi's Public Investment Fund withdrew its backing from LIV in April - having pumped in more than $5bn (£3.8bn) - leading to the league filing for bankruptcy protection in the United States last month.

It has secured a possible $300m (£224m) in financing from BC Partners Credit to try to move forward with 'LIV 2.0', but only a handful of players have so far committed to the proposed competition in 2027.

Poulter, 50, said he wants to help his two sons, Luke and Joshua, pursue professional careers, as well as develop his YouTube channel.

"I wanted everyone to hear it direct from me that I have decided to not move forward with being part of LIV 2.0," he wrote on his social media channels.

"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."

Hatton, 35, made a brief statement his Instagram account which confirmed his decision to leave the event.

"Wanted to confirm I will not be part of a LIV 2.0," he wrote.

"A big thank you to everyone for their continued support. I am excited for what the next chapter of my career holds."

Former world number five Poulter was co-captain of the Majesticks team alongside fellow Englishman and Ryder Cup icon Lee Westwood, while Hatton was part of Rahm's Legion XIII team.

Westwood's future plans remain unclear.

The decision of the English duo to leave came in the same week as 2010 Open champion Oosthuizen, who captained the Southern Guards GC team and said quitting was the "hardest decision" of his career.

Last week, two-time major winner Rahm gave up a reported £75m owed to him by LIV after reaching a separation agreement.

Abraham Ancer and David Puig are also leaving, while Sergio Garcia, Thomas Pieters, Tom McKibbin, Laurie Canter and Adrian Meronk appear unlikely to stay with LIV.

Richard Bland, Cameron Tringale and Brendan Steele are three of the few players to commit to the second phase of the breakaway circuit.

LIV's future could hinge on whether it can secure the signature of American superstar Bryson DeChambeau, who ESPN reported earlier this week "remains committed" to the league.

In his statement, Poulter acknowledged LIV has "clearly divided opinion", but said he will be "forever proud" to be part of its founding group.

"Change is never easy and it's fair to say professional golf has experienced plenty of it over the last few years," he added.

"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."