flag
back Back
Former US Open winner McDowell confirms LIV exit
Graeme McDowell hits a shot during LIV Golf New York in August
Image caption, McDowell joined LIV when the breakaway tour launched in 2022
Matt Gault

BBC Sport NI senior journalist

Northern Ireland's Graeme McDowell has become the latest major champion to confirm his departure from LIV Golf.

The 2010 US Open winner, McDowell, 47, announced on Monday he has "decided not to pursue" LIV 2.0, the new version of the breakaway tour which is due to start in 2027.

Major winners Jon Rahm and Louis Oosthuizen have also confirmed their departures, while McDowell's fellow countryman Tom McKibbin said he was exiting LIV to return to the DP World Tour last week.

England's Tyrrell Hatton and Ian Poulter have also left the competition.

Saudi's Public Investment Fund withdrew its backing from LIV in April - having pumped in more than $5bn (£3.8bn) - leading to the league filing for bankruptcy protection in the United States last month.

It has secured a possible $300m (£224m) in financing from BC Partners Credit to try to move forward with 'LIV 2.0', but only a handful of players have so far committed.

Former world number four McDowell joined LIV when it launched as a lucrative Saudi Arabia-backed project in 2022.

The 11-time DP World Tour winner's best finish on LIV was a tie for second in Virginia in June 2025.

"I've decided not to pursue LIV 2.0," said four-time Ryder Cup player McDowell.

"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."

Earlier this year, McDowell told BBC Sport NI he had held "really positive" talks about returning to the DP World Tour next season, adding he was "lucky to have that option".

You may like

The 2017 rule which means Ian Poulter and Sergio Garcia will never be Ryder Cup captains even aft...

hitc.com 2 hours ago

Carlos Alcaraz reveals surprise player he considers 'unplayable' in practice

sportbible.com 2 hours ago

Shane Lowry, Justin Rose and eight others pull out in £1.1m decision as tournament rocked

Express 3 hours ago

How much money professional golfers actually receive after paying for caddies, coaches and taxes

thegolfinggazette.com 22 hours ago

Luke Littler's record shattered by darts sensation, 16, as commentator goes wild

Mirror 35 minutes ago

Grand Slam of Darts Race Update: Who is qualified as Martin Schindler and Henry Coates join field...

dartsnews.com 1 hour ago

Roman Shogdzhiev, 11, Closes In On Mishra's Youngest GM Record

chess.com 1 week ago

October, 28, 1995: The day tennis legend Serena Williams made her professional debut

tennismajors.com 15 hours ago