Graeme McDowell confirms he will not join LIV 2.0

Graeme McDowell confirmed on Monday that he will not join LIV 2.0, becoming the latest major champion to leave the breakaway tour ahead of its planned 2027 relaunch, the BBC reported.

Graeme McDowell Declines LIV 2.0 After Four Seasons

The 2010 US Open champion announced his departure via social media, bringing an end to a four-year stint with the circuit that began when he joined the inaugural event at London’s Centurion Club in 2022. The 47-year-old Northern Irishman recorded his best finish on the tour with a tie for second place in Virginia in June 2025. In his statement posted to X, McDowell thanked participants for the journey and stated he looked forward to the next chapter of his career. 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 confirmed that he wouldn’t be signing up to LIV 2.0 in a post on social media, thanking the breakaway tour for the opportunity I’ve had over the last four years. I’ve decided not to pursue LIV 2.0, McDowell wrote on ‘X’.

Saudi Funding Withdrawal Leads to Bankruptcy Filing

The exodus follows a major financial restructuring for the league after Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund withdrew its backing in April after pumping in more than $5 billion, according to BBC reporting. That funding withdrawal prompted the circuit to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the United States in September. To finance the planned 2027 relaunch under the banner of LIV 2.0, the organization secured a potential $300 million in backing from BC Partners Credit, which set an October 25 deadline for player commitments.

High Profile Players Exit to Return to Tours

McDowell joins a wave of high-profile players exiting the competition. Major winners Jon Rahm and Louis Oosthuizen have confirmed their departures, alongside English players Tyrrell Hatton and Ian Poulter. Sergio Garcia has also ended his contract. McDowell’s countryman Tom McKibbin announced his exit last week to return to the DP World Tour. Earlier in the year, McDowell indicated he had held positive discussions regarding a return to the DP World Tour for the upcoming season, noting he had previously paid off his past fines and maintained a clean slate with the organization.

Future Aspirations and Missing Tournaments

Clearly I miss the Irish Open, I miss being able to play a few of those events in September and October like the Dunhill Links, events that I care about a lot, so I’ll certainly ask the question and see what that looks like for me, McDowell stated.