Graeme McDowell Quits LIV Golf League

Graeme McDowell looks on at the 2026 US Open — (Image credit: Getty Images)

The list of players to leave LIV Golf has grown by one after Graeme McDowell confirmed he would not be signing up to any new version of the league.

The 2010 US Open winner signed up to the inaugural LIV Golf League ahead of the opening event in May 2022, resigning his PGA Tour membership shortly before.

He went on to play for Cleeks, Smash and OKGC throughout his time there but failed to lift an individual trophy, managing a best result of T2nd at LIV Golf Virginia in 2025.

But following the Saudi PIF's exit from the league and as the future is attempted to be shaped by new creditors, BC Partners, McDowell has confirmed he will not be a part of whatever 'LIV 2.0' looks like.

In a statement shared on his social media, the 47-year-old said: "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 a part of that journey."

At the end of the statement, the Northern Irishman wrote: "I look forward to the next chapter in my career" but stopped short of confirming whether he would be planning a return to the DP World Tour.

Jon Rahm, Tyrrell Hatton, Adrian Meronk, Tom McKibbin and David Puig are among the players who have confirmed their intention to resume their respective careers in Europe next season.

For others, such as Ian Poulter, they still have the option to retire or wait until senior golf offers them a potential route back.

Alternatively, as things stand, pros can also take a year out or compete on any of the other worldwide tours before taking their chances with PGA Tour Q-School more than 12 months from now.

https://t.co/uHu9D2hLeOOctober 26, 2026

At the time of writing, only five players have publicly committed to signing up for the new-look LIV - Richard Bland, Ben Campbell, Victor Perez, Brendan Steele and Cameron Tringale.

However, reports have suggested as many as 15 players have "tentatively committed" to LIV 2.0 at this stage, with the initial player-commitment deadline having now passed and the hard deadline still to come.

Who will not play in LIV Golf 2.0?

Thomas Pieters at LIV Golf Indianapolis — Thomas Pieters has confirmed he will leave LIV Golf

Lucas Herbert
Branden Grace
Ian Poulter
Abraham Ancer
Charles Howell III
Adrian Meronk
Louis Ooshthuizen
Thomas Pieters
David Puig
Jon Rahm
Tom McKibbin
Graeme McDowell

Jonny Leighfield is our Staff News Writer who joined Golf Monthly just in time for the 2023 Solheim Cup and Ryder Cup. He graduated from the University of Brighton with a degree in Sport Journalism in 2017 and spent almost five years as the sole sports reporter at his local newspaper. During his time with Golf Monthly, Jonny has interviewed several stars of the game, including Robert MacIntyre, Ian Poulter, Lee Westwood, and Joaquin Niemann. An improving golfer himself, Jonny enjoys learning as much about the game as he can and recently reached his Handicap goal of 18 for the first time.