Ian Poulter has yet to reach a firm conclusion about whether he will remain on the LIV Golf circuit for the upcoming season, though he hopes the organization can keep operating next year despite lingering questions about its financial backing. Poulter, who entered the breakaway league alongside his Majesticks Golf Club teammate Lee Westwood, was among the early wave of high‑profile players to sign on when LIV Golf launched in 2022.
Following the close of LIV Golf's 2026 season in Indianapolis last weekend, Poulter turned to Instagram to share his thoughts. He admitted he is still undecided about committing to the tour for another year, while also expressing 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 went on to warn that it would be a real disappointment if a second incarnation of LIV Golf fails to materialise.
"There are players who would love a strong global platform to play on and countries and fans who want us back," Poulter said. "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 acknowledged the financial realities that influenced his decision. "I know some people didn't agree with my decision to join LIV. I've never hidden from the financial side," he posted. He reminded followers that appearance fees are a common part of a professional golfer's income, noting that he has received such fees throughout his career and continues to do so.
"LIV gave me a significant opportunity late in my career and I took it," he added. "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 amid growing speculation about the future of LIV Golf and the prospects for the many players still under contract with the organisation. LIV Golf's chief executive, Scott O'Neil, disclosed earlier this month that the league had secured a new, as‑yet‑unnamed lead investor after Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund announced it would withdraw its funding at the end of the 2026 season. A term sheet for the new commercial arrangement has been signed, and O'Neil expressed optimism that a definitive transaction could be completed by September. However, the cancellation of the league's Team Championship event in Michigan—originally scheduled for the weekend—has intensified concerns about the stability of the venture.
Despite the uncertainty, some players remain hopeful. Bryson DeChambeau, for example, hinted that "something fun was coming" and that there is "a lot of potential" for LIV Golf to continue into the next year. Poulter, who boasts three PGA Tour victories and twelve DP World Tour wins, has yet to capture an individual or team title during his five‑year tenure with LIV Golf. Reflecting on his experience, he said, "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 sport to new markets, noting the massive crowds—sometimes exceeding 100,000 spectators—that attended certain events.
"Playing in front of those fans was truly special. To everyone who came out and supported us – thank you.
You were class," he wrote. Poulter also took the opportunity to thank his close colleagues, naming Lee Westwood, Henrik Stenson, Sam Horsfield and Laurie Canter, as well as the broader LIV and Majesticks staff and, most importantly, the fans. He highlighted a particular point of pride beyond his on‑course achievements: the development work undertaken by Majesticks Golf Club.
"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." As the golf world watches the unfolding drama, the question remains whether LIV Golf will secure the financial backing it needs to survive and whether players like Poulter will decide to stay, take a break, or return to the traditional tours.
The outcome will shape the competitive landscape of professional golf for years to come.