Ian Poulter has yet to reach a definitive decision about whether he will remain on the LIV Golf circuit for the upcoming season, but he has expressed a hope that the league will be able to continue operating into next year despite ongoing worries about its financial backing. Poulter, who joined the breakaway series alongside his Majestiks Golf Club teammate Lee Westwood back in 2022, was among the early wave of high‑profile players to sign up for the venture. When LIV Golf wrapped up its 2026 campaign in Indianapolis this past weekend, the Englishman turned to Instagram to share his thoughts. He admitted that his future with the tour is still undecided, while also noting that he feels a sense of pride in what the organization has managed to achieve so far.
"This final phase has been tough and none of us knows exactly what comes next," the five‑time Ryder Cup veteran wrote. "My thoughts are especially with the businesses and suppliers still owed money. Some are small businesses and I sincerely hope those situations are dealt with properly and quickly." Poulter warned that it would be a real disappointment if a second incarnation of LIV Golf does not materialise. He pointed out that many players would welcome a robust, global platform on which to compete, and that fans and host nations are eager to see the tour return.
"Some players will stay, some may go. As for me, I may stay or take some time off. I genuinely haven't decided yet," he added.
He also addressed the criticism he has faced for his original decision to join the league, acknowledging that the financial aspect was never hidden from anyone. "Golfers have received appearance fees around the world throughout my career and still do today. LIV gave me a significant opportunity late in my career and I took it.
People make career decisions every day based on opportunity, family and financial security. Professional sport is no different," Poulter explained. After settling the fines that were imposed for participating in the rebel tour, both Poulter and Westwood are slated to return to the DP World Tour in October, where they will line up at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship. Their re‑entry comes amid a swirl of speculation about the long‑term viability of LIV Golf and the future prospects of its current roster.
The league’s chief executive, Scott O'Neil, announced earlier this month that a new, unnamed lead investor has been identified following the Saudi Public Investment Fund’s decision to withdraw its backing at the close of the 2026 season. A term sheet for the new commercial arrangement has been signed, and O'Neil indicated optimism that a definitive transaction could be completed by September.
Nevertheless, the cancellation of the Team Championship event in Michigan, which had been scheduled for the same weekend as the Indianapolis finale, has added further uncertainty to the picture. Even amid the turbulence, some players remain upbeat.
Bryson DeChambeau, for example, hinted that "something fun was coming" and suggested that there is "a lot of potential" for LIV Golf to persist into the next year. Poulter’s own record on the circuit reflects five years of participation without an individual or team victory, despite his impressive résumé that includes three PGA Tour wins and twelve DP World Tour titles. He reflected on the challenges of building a new brand in a sport steeped in tradition.
"It hasn't always been easy, and it was never going to be," he said. "Building something new and challenging the status quo was always going to bring challenges and criticism. I sincerely thank everyone who supported me, our team and LIV throughout the journey." He also highlighted the moments of triumph, recalling the massive crowds that have gathered at LIV events—sometimes exceeding 100,000 spectators—and the sense of accomplishment that comes from taking the game to new markets that have warmly embraced it.
"Playing in front of those crowds was truly special. To everyone who came out and supported us – thank you. You were class," Poulter wrote.
Beyond his on‑course endeavors, Poulter emphasized the legacy projects he helped launch through Majestiks Golf Club. He singled out the "Littlesticks" initiative, which has integrated golf into the physical education curricula of more than 200 schools and placed clubs in the hands of over 40,000 children. "That's a legacy our whole team should be incredibly proud of," he said, underscoring his belief that the sport's future lies in nurturing the next generation. In summary, while Ian Poulter remains undecided about his personal participation in the next LIV Golf season, he continues to advocate for the league's survival, expresses concern for the small businesses affected by its financial woes, and celebrates the broader impact the tour has had on expanding golf's reach worldwide.
The coming months will reveal whether a new investor steps in, whether the cancelled events can be rescheduled, and ultimately whether Poulter and other high‑profile players will choose to stay, step away, or perhaps return later under different circumstances.