Ian Poulter has yet to reach a firm conclusion about whether he will remain on the LIV Golf circuit for the upcoming season, but he has expressed a desire for the organization to stay afloat despite ongoing questions about its financial backing. Poulter, together with his Majesticks Golf Club teammate Lee Westwood, was among the earliest wave of high‑profile players to sign up for the breakaway series when it launched in 2022. Following the conclusion of LIV Golf's 2026 campaign in Indianapolis last weekend, the Englishman turned to Instagram to share his thoughts.
He admitted that his future on the tour is still up in the air, while also voicing pride in what the league 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." He went on to stress that it would be a real disappointment if a second incarnation of LIV Golf never materialises. "There are players who would love a strong global platform to play on and countries and fans who want us back," Poulter added. "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 he has never tried to hide the financial considerations that influenced his decision. "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," he explained. "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, where they will compete in events such as the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship. Their re‑entry comes at a time when speculation about LIV Golf's long‑term viability is intensifying, as well as the future of many of its current members. Earlier this month, LIV Golf chief executive Scott O'Neil announced that the league had secured a new, unnamed lead investor.
This development follows the Saudi Public Investment Fund's decision to withdraw its financial support at the end of the 2026 season, prompting the organization to hunt for fresh capital. O'Neil said a term sheet for the new commercial arrangement has been signed and he hopes to finalise a transaction with the investor by September.
The uncertainty was underscored when the league's Team Championship event in Michigan, scheduled for the weekend, was abruptly cancelled. The cancellation raised further alarm bells about the tour's operational stability.
Nevertheless, some players remain optimistic. Bryson DeChambeau, for instance, hinted that "something fun was coming" and that there is "a lot of potential" for LIV Golf to continue into the next year. Poulter's record on the LIV circuit has yet to include an individual or team victory after five seasons, despite his impressive résumé elsewhere—a three‑time winner on the PGA Tour and a 12‑time champion on the DP World Tour.
Reflecting on his experience, he acknowledged the challenges inherent in building a new brand that challenges the status quo. "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 tour's global reach, noting that LIV events have drawn crowds of more than 100,000 spectators in some locations, a testament to the enthusiasm of fans in various markets. "We've taken this great game around the world to countries and cities that genuinely embraced us. Playing in front of crowds of over 100,000 fans at some events was truly special.
To everyone who came out and supported us – thank you. You were class," Poulter said. Poulter gave a shout‑out to his close colleagues on the Majesticks Golf Club team, including Lee Westwood, Henrik Stenson, Sam Horsfield and Laurie Canter, as well as the broader staff and supporters of LIV. He also took pride in an initiative called Littlesticks, which aims to integrate golf into the physical education curricula of schools.
"At Majesticks GC we built an incredible team, but what I'm most proud of is Littlesticks. We've taken golf directly into the PE curriculum of over 200 schools and put clubs into the hands of more than 40,000 kids. That's a legacy our whole team should be incredibly proud of," he said.
As the debate over LIV Golf's future continues, the sport's fans, sponsors and governing bodies will be watching closely to see whether the league can secure the investment it needs to survive beyond 2026, and whether players like Poulter will ultimately decide to stay, step away, or perhaps return to the traditional tours once more.