Ian Poulter remains undecided about his future involvement with LIV Golf for the upcoming season, though he hopes the organization can keep operating next year despite ongoing questions about its financial backing. Poulter, who entered the breakaway circuit alongside his Majesticks GC teammate Lee Westwood back in 2022, was among the earliest high‑profile sign‑ups for the controversial league.
After LIV Golf wrapped up its 2026 campaign in Indianapolis this past weekend, Poulter turned to Instagram to share his thoughts. He said he has not yet made a final decision about returning to the tour next year, 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 continued, "It would be a real shame if LIV 2.0 doesn't happen. There are players who would love a strong global platform to play on and countries and fans who want us back. 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 joining the league, acknowledging the financial realities of professional sport. "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," he explained. Following the settlement of their fines for participating in the rebel circuit, 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 mounting speculation about the long‑term viability of LIV Golf and the future of its current roster of players. LIV Golf CEO Scott O'Neil announced earlier this month that the league had secured a new, as‑yet‑unnamed lead investor after Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) disclosed it would cease funding the organization at the end of the 2026 season.
The loss of PIF money has forced LIV executives to hunt for fresh capital. O'Neil said a term sheet for a commercial arrangement with the new backer has been signed and that he expects a definitive transaction to be completed in September. The uncertainty was highlighted when the league's Team Championship scheduled for Michigan this weekend was abruptly cancelled, fueling further doubts about the tour's stability.
Nevertheless, some players remain optimistic. 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, a three‑time winner on the PGA Tour and a 12‑time champion on the DP World Tour, has yet to capture an individual or team title during his five‑year stint with LIV Golf. Reflecting on his experience, he admitted, "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 the spectacle of playing before crowds that sometimes exceeded 100,000 spectators. "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 heartfelt shout‑out to his fellow Majesticks GC teammates – Lee Westwood, Henrik Stenson, Sam Horsfield and Laurie Canter – as well as the broader staff and fans who have stood by him.
He highlighted a project he is especially proud of: the Littlesticks initiative, which integrates golf into the physical education curricula of more than 200 schools and provides clubs to over 40,000 children. "At Majesticks GC we built an incredible team, but what I'm most proud of is Littlesticks.
That's a legacy our whole team should be incredibly proud of," he said. As the golf world watches the unfolding drama, the broader industry continues to report on rankings, tournament schedules, and broadcast options. Fans can follow the latest leaderboards, watch DP World Tour events on streaming platforms like NOW, and check live coverage on Sky Sports.
Meanwhile, the question of whether LIV Golf will secure a new financial partner and resume competition next season remains open, leaving players like Poulter to weigh their personal and professional priorities before making a final call.