An increasing number of golfers are deciding against participating in LIV Golf 2.0. Tyrrell Hatton alongside Ian Poulter lead the recent group declaring their departure from the circuit. On Friday, the English duo was accompanied by Branden Grace, Tom McKibbin, and Lucas Herbert, coming just ahead of the October 25 deadline for players to commit to the series.
“Just wanted to share that I won’t be involved with LIV 2.0,” Hatton posted via his Instagram story. “Grateful to everyone for the ongoing support. I’m eager to see what lies ahead in the next phase of my journey. Excited to catch up with everyone in Abu Dhabi.”
Hatton is now focusing on the DP World Tour postseason, launching in Abu Dhabi from November 5 to 8, marking his debut appearance after exiting LIV Golf. Competing alongside him will be Jon Rahm, his captain and teammate from Legion XIII, who previously communicated his complete disinterest in continuing with the breakaway league.
Rahm’s legal counsel noted that the conditions for LIV Golf 2.0 were deemed “unacceptable” by his client prior to both sides agreeing on a formal exit deal that allowed the Spanish golfer to keep his publicity and image rights. Similar to Rahm, Hatton retains full status on the DP World Tour due to his past triumphs on the European tour.
This privilege extends to Poulter as well as the other players who are eligible to re-enter DP World Tour events come November. In a released statement, the 12-time European Tour champion explained that his decision to step away from LIV Golf and the Majesticks—where he served as captain from the beginning—was driven by a desire to spend more quality time at home, expand his YouTube presence, and take part in senior tour competitions.
“In the end, having the chance to be home more with my family, cut down on global travel, prioritize senior golf, and explore additional opportunities felt like the correct path for me at this point in my life and career,” Poulter expressed in his official announcement.
A fortnight ago, the DP World Tour took a firm stance by declaring that any golfer participating in LIV Golf 2.0 would be barred from holding membership on the European tour in 2027. Maintaining active membership on the DP World Tour remains a strict prerequisite for anyone aspiring to represent Team Europe in the Ryder Cup.
Additional golfers who have signaled their departure from LIV Golf comprise Adrian Meronk, Louis Oosthuizen, Sergio Garcia, Abraham Ancer, Charles Howell III, Thomas Pieters, and David Puig. On the flip side, individuals intending to remain with the league if it proceeds with its next season include Richard Bland, Ben Campbell, Cameron Tringale, and Brendan Steele.
“This is the place I wish to remain,” Steele remarked recently. “It has felt like home over these past four years, and it’s been a wonderful experience. I am content staying put.”
