Ian Poulter has yet to reach a final decision about whether he will remain on the LIV Golf circuit for the upcoming season, but he has expressed a wish that the organization stays afloat next year despite ongoing worries about its financial backing. Poulter, together with his Majesticks Golf Club partner Lee Westwood, were among the earliest high‑profile players to sign up for the breakaway series back in 2022.
Their move was seen as a major endorsement for the fledgling league, which has been courting top talent with lucrative contracts and a new tournament format. Following the conclusion of LIV Golf's 2026 schedule in Indianapolis last weekend, Poulter turned to Instagram to share his thoughts. He admitted that he is still undecided about committing to the tour for another year, while also noting his pride in what the league has managed to achieve in a relatively short span of time. "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 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," he 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." Poulter also addressed the criticism he has faced for joining the league, acknowledging the financial realities that influenced his choice.
"I know some people didn't agree with my decision to join LIV. I've never hidden from the financial side," he posted. He added that appearance fees have been a routine part of a professional golfer's income throughout his career, and that LIV presented a significant opportunity late in his playing days, which he chose to seize.
"People make career decisions every day based on opportunity, family and financial security. Professional sport is no different," he explained, underscoring that his move was driven by practical considerations as much as by competitive ambition. 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 line up for 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 roster of players.
LIV Golf's chief executive, Scott O'Neil, revealed earlier this month that the league had secured a new, unnamed lead investor after Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund announced it would cease its funding at the end of the 2026 season. The withdrawal of the PIF has forced LIV's leadership to hunt for fresh capital to keep the operation running.
O'Neil said a term sheet has already been signed for the new commercial arrangement and that he hopes to finalize a transaction with the investor by September. However, uncertainty remains, as evidenced by the abrupt cancellation of the league's Team Championship event in Michigan, which was supposed to take place over the weekend. The cancellation has intensified concerns about the league's stability. Even amid the turmoil, fellow LIV player Bryson DeChambeau hinted that the organization still has plans in the pipeline, stating that "something fun was coming" and that there is "a lot of potential" for the tour 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 that the journey has been far from smooth. "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 positive aspects of the league, noting that LIV has taken the game to new markets and attracted massive crowds. "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 recalled. Poulter also expressed gratitude to his teammates, naming Lee Westwood, Henrik Stenson, Sam Horsfield and Laurie Canter, as well as the broader LIV and Majesticks staff and, most importantly, the fans who have backed him. He turned the spotlight on his work off the course, particularly the Majesticks Golf Club's educational initiative. "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 golf world watches the unfolding saga, the question of whether LIV Golf will secure the necessary investment to survive remains unanswered. For Poulter, the decision will hinge not only on the financial health of the league but also on his personal goals and the broader impact he wishes to have on the sport, both on and off the fairways.