Poulter, Hatton and Grace all refuse to sign for competition’s new format

The exodus of golfers ahead of today’s deadline to register for LIV Golf 2.0 continued apace, with Tyrell Hatton and Ian Poulter announcing they’d not be signing up for the competition’s new version.

Hatton joined LIV ​in 2024 and had one tournament win — LIV Nashville — that same year. He was part of captain Jon Rahm’s Legion XIII, winner of the 2025 season championship. “I wanted to confirm that I will not be a part of LIV 2.0,” he posted on Instagram on Friday.

“A big thank you to everyone for continued support. I am excited for what the next chapter of my career holds.”

On the same day, Poulter confirmed he also would not play in the competition in the future.

“Ultimately, the opportunity to spend more time at home with my family, reduce international travel, focus on senior golf and have the opportunity to pursue other interests was something that I felt was right for me at this stage of my life and career,” he said in an Instagram post.

Poulter was among the first players to sign with LIV Golf at its inception in 2022. He and countryman Lee Westwood have been two of ​the most outspoken supporters of the Saudi-backed league, which has been accused by many critics of dividing the professional golf world.

More changes ahead

“Change is never easy, and it’s fair to say professional golf has experienced plenty of it over the last few years. But I’ve always believed that change can create opportunity and ultimately lead to positive outcomes,” Poulter wrote.

“There will undoubtedly be more changes ahead, but I am confident the game will continue to grow, evolve, and deliver the very best for golf fans around the world.”

Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund announced earlier this year that it would end its financial support of LIV Golf.

CEO Scott O’Neil has lined up funding for LIV 2.0 as the league goes through Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings, with plans to play a 10-event schedule in 2027 that includes five events in the US and five internationally.

However, Hatton, Poulter and Tom McKibbin join a ​growing list of players who will not return that includes Rahm, Sergio Garcia and David Puig of Spain.

South Africans Louis Oosthuizen and Brendan Grace have also stated they’d no longer be part of the tour. Other marquee names, ​including Bryson DeChambeau, Cam Smith and Joaquin Niemann, have not declared yet what they intend to do ahead of today’s deadline. — Reuters