Tyrrell Hatton and Ian Poulter are officially out of LIV Golf 2.0, headlining the latest wave of players ditching the revamped league just days before the October 25th commitment deadline. This isn’t just a couple of guys quietly stepping away; these are big names making a statement, and the ripple effects are already huge.
LIV’s Roster Takes A Hit With Hatton and Poulter Leading The Exodus
Hatton and Poulter aren’t alone in their decision to walk away from LIV Golf 2.0. On Friday, they were joined by Branden Grace, Tom McKibbin, and Lucas Herbert, all announcing they won’t be returning. Hatton, for his part, kept it straightforward on Instagram, writing, “Wanted to confirm that I will not be a part of LIV 2.0. A big thank you to everyone for their continued support. I am excited for what the next chapter of my career holds. Looking forward to seeing you all in Abu Dhabi.”
That “next chapter” for Hatton starts with the DP World Tour playoffs in Abu Dhabi from November 5-8, which will be his first start since leaving LIV. Guess who else will be there? Jon Rahm, his former Legion XIII teammate and captain, who already made it clear he wants nothing to do with LIV moving forward. Rahm’s lawyer had previously stated the terms for LIV Golf 2.0 were “unacceptable,” and he even retained his name, image, and likeness rights in their separation agreement. It’s clear these guys aren’t just looking for a change of scenery, they’re looking for different terms. Other big names like Adrian Meronk, Louis Oosthuizen, Sergio Garcia, Abraham Ancer, Charles Howell III, Thomas Pieters, and David Puig have also indicated they won’t be playing on LIV Golf.
The DP World Tour Draws a Line in the Sand, And It’s Working
This isn’t happening in a vacuum. The DP World Tour made a massive move two weeks ago, announcing that any player who participated in LIV Golf 2.0 would be barred from taking up membership on the European circuit in 2027. And here’s the kicker: to be eligible for the European Ryder Cup team, you *must* be a member of the DP World Tour. That’s a huge incentive, isn’t it?
It seems to be hitting home. Poulter, a 12-time DP World Tour winner who captained the Majesticks, cited wanting to spend more time with family, reduce international travel, focus on senior golf, and pursue other interests as his reasons for leaving. It’s a clear signal that the allure of family and future career options, combined with the DP World Tour’s strong stance, is tipping the scales for many. Like Rahm and Hatton, Poulter and the others leaving LIV will retain their DP World Tour playing privileges thanks to their past victories, meaning they can slot right back into the European circuit in November.
Not Everyone Is Ditching The Ship
Now, it’s not a full-on stampede out the door. Some players are committed to LIV Golf 2.0 if it gets off the ground. Guys like Richard Bland, Ben Campbell, Cameron Tringale, and Brendan Steele are sticking around. Steele recently said, “This is where I want to be. This has been home to me for the last four years, it’s been great. I’m happy to stay.” So, while some are leaving, others are dug in.
The October 25th deadline is right around the corner. We’re about to see who’s truly committed to LIV Golf 2.0 and who’s decided their future lies elsewhere. For Hatton and Rahm, it’s the DP World Tour playoffs in Abu Dhabi, where the next chapter of their careers kicks off. This story is far from over.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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