Ian Poulter remains undecided about whether he will line up for LIV Golf again next season, though he hopes the organisation can keep running into the new year despite lingering questions about its financial backing. The Englishman, who first signed with the breakaway circuit in 2022 alongside his Majesticks Golf Club teammate Lee Westwood, was one of the earliest high‑profile converts when the league launched. Following the conclusion of LIV Golf's 2026 season in Indianapolis, Poulter turned to Instagram to share his thoughts. He said he has not yet made a final call on his future with the tour, but expressed pride in what the league has accomplished 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." He added that it would be a disappointment if "LIV 2.0" does not materialise. "There are players who would love a strong global platform to play on and countries and fans who want us back," Poulter continued.
"Some players will stay, some may go. As for me, I may stay or take some time off. I genuinely haven't decided yet." Addressing the criticism he has faced for joining the league, Poulter said, "I know some people didn't agree with my decision to join LIV. I've never hidden from the financial side.
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." After settling the fines imposed for participating in the rebel tour, both Poulter and Westwood are slated to return to the DP World Tour in October, beginning with the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship. Their re‑entry comes as speculation intensifies about the long‑term viability of LIV Golf and the future of the many players who have signed on.
LIV Golf's chief executive, Scott O'Neil, announced earlier this month that the league has secured a new, unnamed lead investor after Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund confirmed it would cease funding at the end of the 2026 season. A term sheet for the new commercial arrangement has been signed, and O'Neil said he expects the league to finalize a deal with the investor in September. The uncertainty was underscored when the league's Team Championship event in Michigan, scheduled for the weekend, was abruptly cancelled.
The cancellation raised fresh alarm bells about the tour's financial health and operational continuity. Nevertheless, some players remain optimistic. Bryson DeChambeau recently hinted that "something fun was coming" and that there is "a lot of potential" for LIV Golf to continue into the next year. Poulter, a three‑time PGA Tour winner and a 12‑time victor on the DP World Tour, has yet to capture an individual or team title on the LIV circuit in his five‑year stint.
Reflecting on his experience, he acknowledged the challenges: "It hasn't always been easy, and it was never going to be. 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 praised the league's ability to bring the game to new markets, noting that events have drawn crowds of over 100,000 spectators. "Playing in front of those huge audiences was truly special.
To everyone who came out and supported us – thank you. You were class," he wrote. Poulter also gave a heartfelt shout‑out to his teammates – Lee Westwood, Henrik Stenson, Sam Horsfield and Laurie Canter – as well as the broader staff at LIV and Majesticks Golf Club. He highlighted a project close to his heart: the Littlesticks program, which integrates golf into the physical education curriculum of more than 200 schools and has provided clubs to over 40,000 children.
"That's a legacy our whole team should be incredibly proud of," he said. While the future of LIV Golf hangs in the balance, Poulter's personal decision remains open. He may return to the traditional tour, take a hiatus, or perhaps re‑join the league if a stable financial foundation emerges. For now, he continues to focus on his family, his charitable initiatives, and the upcoming DP World Tour events, keeping his options flexible as the golf world watches the unfolding saga of the rebel league.