LIV Golf Faces Threat of Losing Even More Players, Graeme McDowell Officially Resigns

LIV Golf has lost another veteran player. Graeme McDowell, the 2010 US Open champion from Northern Ireland, has decided not to continue competing in LIV Golf 2.0, the revamped competition format scheduled to launch in 2027.

McDowell announced his decision on Monday. The 47-year-old golfer is the latest high-profile name to depart the tour, amid ongoing funding uncertainty and an unclear long-term future for the competition.

McDowell's exit adds to the growing list of star players opting against remaining with LIV Golf. Prior to this announcement, major champions Jon Rahm and Louis Oosthuizen had already confirmed their departures. Fellow Northern Irish golfer Tom McKibbin has also left the series to return to competition on the DP World Tour.

English golfers Tyrrell Hatton and Ian Poulter have also exited the competition. This wave of departures presents a major challenge for LIV Golf as it attempts to retain its appeal ahead of the 2027 format overhaul.

McDowell Looks Ahead To A New Chapter

McDowell was one of the original players to join LIV Golf at the tour's launch in 2022, when the Saudi-backed golf venture launched as a major high-value project. Before joining the breakaway series, he had established a reputation as one of the most respected veteran golfers with an established record on the international stage.

His career highlight remains winning the 2010 US Open. He also holds 11 DP World Tour titles and represented Team Europe four times at the Ryder Cup.

During his time competing on LIV Golf, McDowell's best result was a tied second place finish at the Virginia tournament in June 2025. He has now opted against continuing with LIV Golf 2.0, leaving all options open for his next career move.

"I have made the decision not to move forward with LIV 2.0," McDowell stated.

"I am grateful for the opportunity I have had over these last four years, and I want to thank everyone that has been part of this journey."

"I am looking forward to the next chapter of my career."

This statement brings an end to McDowell's four year tenure with LIV Golf. While he has not yet formally announced his next competitive plans, he has previously indicated he is open to returning to the DP World Tour.

Potential Return To The DP World Tour

Earlier in 2026, McDowell told BBC Sport NI that he had held "very positive" discussions about a possible return to the DP World Tour for the upcoming season, noting that he felt fortunate to still have this option available.

This remains the most likely path for McDowell following his LIV Golf exit. With his long history competing on the DP World Tour, he holds a strong track record in the series.

McDowell's departure comes as a growing number of players are settling on career paths outside of LIV Golf. Tom McKibbin's decision to return to the DP World Tour demonstrates that established traditional circuits remain the preferred option for golfers looking to compete at the highest level.

That said, there is still no formal confirmation regarding McDowell's playing status or schedule for next season. The positive discussions he referenced do not yet mean a return has been finalised.

Saudi Funding Collapse At The Core Of LIV Golf Troubles

Behind this exodus of players, LIV Golf is facing severe financial difficulties. Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) ended its financial backing for the tour in April 2026, having poured over 5 billion US dollars into the venture.

The following month, LIV Golf filed for bankruptcy protection in the United States. This move has only deepened uncertainty over the tour's ability to operate long term.

LIV Golf is attempting to continue operations under the LIV 2.0 restructuring plan. The organisation has secured provisional funding worth 300 million US dollars from BC Partners Credit to support the running of future events.

Despite this, very few players have publicly committed to competing in the new format. The departures of major names including McDowell, Rahm and Oosthuizen have further highlighted the enormous challenge LIV Golf faces to retain its playing roster.

When LIV Golf originally launched, it used record-breaking financial offers to lure top players away from the traditional golf circuits. Now that the core PIF backing has been withdrawn, the tour must prove it has a viable Business model capable of surviving and attracting players.

LIV Golf 2.0 Future Remains In Doubt

McDowell's decision makes clear that the changes at LIV Golf go far beyond just tournament formatting, and strike directly at the future of every player who joined the breakaway tour.

For McDowell personally, the focus now turns to securing the next stage of his career after four years with LIV Golf. For LIV Golf itself, far more work will be required to convince players to stay and keep the project alive ahead of the planned 2027 relaunch.

With unsecured funding and a growing list of star departures, LIV Golf 2.0 faces enormous headwinds before its first season even begins. Securing stable financial backing and formal player commitments will be the critical factors that decide whether the tour can survive.