Ian Poulter has yet to reach a final decision regarding his participation in the upcoming LIV Golf season, but he has expressed a desire for the organization to continue operating into next year despite ongoing concerns about its financial backing. Poulter, who entered the breakaway circuit alongside his Majesticks GC teammate Lee Westwood, was one of the earliest high‑profile sign‑ups when LIV Golf launched in 2022. Following the conclusion of LIV Golf's 2026 campaign in Indianapolis last weekend, the five‑time Ryder Cup veteran took to Instagram to share his thoughts.
He admitted that he is still weighing his options for the 2027 season, while also voicing pride in the achievements the league has managed to secure in a relatively short period. "This final phase has been tough and none of us knows exactly what comes next," Poulter 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 disappointment if the next iteration of the league—sometimes referred to as LIV 2.0—fails to materialise.
"There are players who would love a strong global platform to play on and countries and fans who want us back," he 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." Poulter also addressed the criticism he has faced for his decision to join the Saudi‑backed tour. "I know some people didn't agree with my decision to join LIV.
I've never hidden from the financial side," he said, acknowledging that appearance fees and prize money have always been a part of a professional golfer's career. "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 league, 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 amid growing speculation about the long‑term viability of LIV Golf and the future of its current roster. The league's financial outlook has become increasingly uncertain after Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund announced it would cease funding LIV Golf at the end of the 2026 season. In response, LIV Golf CEO Scott O'Neil disclosed that the organization has secured a new, unnamed lead investor and has already signed a term sheet for a commercial arrangement.
O'Neil expressed optimism that a definitive deal could be reached by September, though the timing remains tentative. Compounding the uncertainty, the league's Team Championship scheduled to take place in Michigan this weekend was abruptly cancelled, prompting further questions about the stability of the circuit. Despite the turmoil, some players remain hopeful. Bryson DeChambeau, for instance, hinted that "something fun was coming" and emphasized that there is "a lot of potential" for LIV Golf to continue into the next season.
Poulter's own record on the LIV stage has been modest. In five years with the organization, the three‑time PGA Tour winner and 12‑time DP World Tour champion has yet to capture an individual or team title.
Nonetheless, he reflected on the broader impact of the league, noting that building a new venture inevitably invites scrutiny and challenges. "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 highlighted the global reach the league has achieved, playing in front of crowds that sometimes exceeded 100,000 spectators and bringing the sport to locations that had previously not hosted major tournaments. "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 also gave a shout‑out to his teammates—Lee Westwood, Henrik Stenson, Sam Horsfield and Laurie Canter—as well as the broader staff at LIV and Majesticks. He took particular pride in an initiative called Littlesticks, a grassroots program launched through Majesticks GC that integrates golf into the physical education curricula of more than 200 schools and has provided clubs to over 40,000 children.
"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 players are left watching closely. Whether Poulter ultimately decides to re‑join the league, take a sabbatical, or focus exclusively on the DP World Tour will likely hinge on the outcome of the pending investment deal and the league's ability to resolve outstanding debts to suppliers and small businesses that have supported its rapid expansion.
In the meantime, golf enthusiasts can stay updated on the latest news, leaderboards, and tournament schedules across both the DP World Tour and LIV Golf, with streaming options available through platforms such as NOW and traditional broadcasters like Sky Sports. The evolving landscape underscores how professional golf is navigating a period of significant change, balancing tradition with innovative formats and new financial models.