Ian Poulter leaves LIV Golf and turns to senior golf and his YouTube channel

Ian Poulter is leaving LIV Golf. The Englishman posted a statement on social media Friday morning, October 23, saying he has decided not to be part of LIV 2.0, the league's planned relaunch. Sky Sports, Golf Monthly and Golfmagic all reported the statement.

"I wanted everyone to hear it direct from me that I have decided to not move forward with being part of LIV 2.0," Poulter wrote. He called it a tough decision that he discussed at length with his family and team.

Why he is leaving

Poulter, 50, said the move lets him "spend more time at home with my family, reduce international travel, focus on senior golf and have the opportunity to pursue other interests."

He has been with LIV since its first event in London in 2022 and has co-captained Majesticks GC for the last four seasons, according to Sky Sports. In the statement he said he is proud of what the founding group did, naming Majesticks and the league's Little Sticks community program.

What comes next

Poulter said he wants to keep building The Postman, his YouTube channel, and to play some senior events. He also wants more time to help his son Luke as he pursues a professional career and his younger son Joshua as he develops as a golfer. Golfmagic notes that Luke helped Great Britain and Ireland win the Walker Cup in September.

Golfmagic reports that Poulter is eligible to return to the DP World Tour in 2027 and to play the Legends Tour, but would likely have to serve a suspension before playing PGA Tour Champions events in the United States.

Where LIV stands

Poulter is the second team leader to leave in a week, after Louis Oosthuizen stepped away from Southern Guards GC on Wednesday. Golf Monthly reports that LIV chief Scott O'Neil has until October 25 to sign up enough players to secure a $300 million investment deal with BC Partners. LIV filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in September after Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund withdrew its backing, per Golfmagic.

What to watch

If you follow Poulter, his YouTube channel is where he says more of his golf and life will show up. Watch the October 25 LIV deadline for word on which players sign on for 2.0, and look for his name on senior-event fields next year.