Ian Poulter and Tyrrell Hatton among trio of LIV players who join the exodus

Three prominent LIV Golf players, Ian Poulter and Tyrrell Hatton, are joining the exodus from the league, according to recent reports. The trio of departing players signals an increase in the number of golfers considering a move away from LIV, with a potential Sunday deadline looming for other players to decide their future. Former world No. 1 Jon Rahm and Sergio Garcia have already left the league, which is struggling to recover from Chapter 11 bankruptcy with support from BC Partners Credit and a $300 million pledge.

Both Poulter and Hatton took to Instagram to express their decision to leave LIV 2.0, citing the need for more family time, reduced travel, and the opportunity to focus on senior golf and other interests. Poulter, a veteran golfer known for his Ryder Cup contributions, has won 14 tournaments worldwide across six tours. The European Tour issued an ultimatum to LIV players on October 12, stating that signing up for LIV 2.0 would result in the loss of European tour membership, crucial for players aiming to compete in the Ryder Cup.

BC Partners has set a Sunday deadline for players to decide their fate, though it retains the right to extend or waive the deadline, depending on the support received from the players. Only four players, including Cameron Tringale, Brendan Steele, Richard Bland, and Ben Campbell, have committed to staying with LIV. The amended restructuring agreement approved by a New Jersey bankruptcy court allows LIV to continue restructuring without a specific number of players required to participate. The next bankruptcy hearing for LIV is scheduled for November 5.