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Graeme McDowell has become the latest golfer to rule himself out of LIV Golf’s relaunched league. The 47-year-old former US Open champion from Northern Ireland originally joined the breakaway circuit in 2022.
Departure from the Circuit
During his time with the circuit, McDowell played for multiple teams, competing most recently for OKGC in 2026. However, he has now decided to walk away from the organization.
In an X post on Monday, McDowell confirmed his departure by stating, “I’ve decided not to pursue LIV 2.0. I’m grateful for the opportunity I’ve had over the last four years and want to thank everyone who has been part of that journey. I look forward to the next chapter in my career.”
McDowell captured his major title at the 2010 US Open held at Pebble Beach. Throughout his career, he also secured 11 victories on the European tour alongside four wins on the PGA Tour.
Wider Exodus and Financial Restructuring
His decision to leave follows a series of announced departures from the tour. Ian Poulter, Tyrrell Hatton, and Tom McKibbin announced on Friday that they will not return to the circuit in 2027.
Additional players leaving include Jon Rahm, Sergio Garcia, David Puig, Abraham Ancer, Charles Howell III, Adrian Meronk, Louis Oosthuizen, and Thomas Pieters. The league’s financial situation shifted after Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund announced earlier this year that it would halt its financial backing of LIV Golf.
The organization is currently undergoing Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings. Despite these financial hurdles, CEO Scott O’Neil has arranged funding for the proposed LIV 2.0 relaunch while the bankruptcy process is underway.
Rory McIlroy’s Assessment
Earlier this month, Rory McIlroy shared his perspective on the situation, stating that the league is no longer a threat to the traditional game as it prepares for its relaunch. Speaking at the Bloomberg New Economy forum in New Delhi, McIlroy offered his thoughts on the circuit’s previous strategy.
“LIV had probably like, half of a good idea that was executed pretty poorly,” McIlroy told the Bloomberg New Economy forum in New Delhi, adding that capital was wasted rather than used strategically to partner with governing bodies.
McIlroy further noted that BC Partners had identified an opportunity, but the ongoing departures make recovery challenging. He concluded that navigating the Chapter 11 bankruptcy and moving forward will be very difficult, and any future version of the league will not pose the same threat to the traditional order of golf as it once did.
