Ian Poulter has yet to decide whether he will remain on the LIV Golf circuit for the upcoming season, though he expressed a desire for the organization to stay operational despite growing concerns about its financial backing. Poulter, who entered the breakaway tour alongside his Majesticks Golf Club teammate Lee Westwood, was among the earliest high‑profile sign‑ups when LIV Golf launched in 2022. Following the conclusion of LIV Golf's 2026 season in Indianapolis last weekend, Poulter turned to Instagram to share his thoughts.
He admitted that his future on the tour is still open‑ended, while also voicing 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." Poulter warned that it would be a disappointment if a second incarnation of LIV – often dubbed "LIV 2.0" – fails to materialise.
He highlighted the appetite among players for a robust, worldwide platform and noted 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.
Addressing critics who questioned his original decision to join the Saudi‑backed circuit, Poulter said he has never tried to hide the financial aspect of his move. "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 league, both Poulter and Westwood are slated to re‑enter the DP World Tour in October, beginning with the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship. Their return comes amid swirling speculation about LIV Golf's long‑term viability and the future of its current roster.
LIV Golf's chief executive, Scott O'Neil, announced earlier this month that the league had secured a new, unnamed lead investor after Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) disclosed it would cease funding the tour at the end of the 2026 season. A term sheet for the new commercial arrangement has been signed, and O'Neil indicated hopes that a definitive transaction would be completed by September. The uncertainty was underscored when the league's Team Championship event in Michigan, scheduled for the weekend, was abruptly cancelled.
This development added to concerns about the tour's financial health and operational continuity. Nevertheless, some players remain optimistic.
Bryson DeChambeau hinted that "something fun was coming" and asserted there is "a lot of potential" for LIV Golf to persist into the following year. Poulter, a three‑time PGA Tour winner and a 12‑time victor on the DP World Tour, has not captured an individual or team title during his five‑year stint with LIV. Reflecting on his experience, he acknowledged the challenges of building a new product 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 praised the tour's ability to bring golf to new markets, noting that some events attracted crowds exceeding 100,000 spectators.
"Playing in front of those fans was truly special. To everyone who came out and supported us – thank you. You were class," Poulter remarked.
Poulter gave a heartfelt shout‑out to his teammates – Lee Westwood, Henrik Stenson, Sam Horsfield and Laurie Canter – as well as the broader LIV and Majesticks staff and the global fanbase. He highlighted a project close to his heart: Littlesticks, an initiative through Majesticks Golf Club that has integrated golf into the physical education curricula of more than 200 schools, providing clubs to over 40,000 children. "That's a legacy our whole team should be incredibly proud of," he said.
As the golf world watches the unfolding saga, the question remains whether LIV Golf will secure the new investment needed to sustain its operations, and whether players like Poulter will commit to another season. For now, his decision hangs in the balance, reflecting both personal considerations and the broader uncertainty surrounding the league's financial future.