Ian Poulter Reflects On LIV Golf 1.0 And Says He 'Genuinely' Hasn't Decided On What Next

Ian Poulter at LIV Golf Korea — (Image credit: Getty Images)

Ian Poulter has released a lengthy social media post as "the doors close on LIV Golf 1.0" saying how proud he is of the product, his hope that LIV 2.0 goes ahead and how he hasn't decided yet about his own personal future.

The Englishman says he's had "one hell of a ride" during the five seasons of LIV Golf, and with uncertainty still surrounding the future, he confirmed that "none of us knows exactly what comes next".

Scott O'Neil has a deadline to get the proposed investment deal signed off with players still deciding on their own futures and "some players will stay, some may go" according to Poulter.

Poulter spoke of his pride at creating big golf tournaments around the world, and of his Majesticks GC's project called Littlesticks which helped introduce the game to children.

He also spoke about hoping those unpaid vendors and suppliers finally got their money as LIV Golf looks to try and clear the decks ahead of a possible rebirth next year.

Whether that LIV Golf 2.0 will include Poulter or not though is another unanswered question, as just a day after the 2026 season finale in Indianapolis the 50-year-old has yet to decide on his future.

"It would be a real shame if LIV 2.0 doesn’t happen," wrote Poulter. "There are players who would love a strong global platform to play on and countries and fans who want us back.

"Some players will stay, some may go. As for me, I may stay or take some time off. I genuinely haven’t decided yet."

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O'Neil has been right up against it this year ever since the Saudi PIF announced it was pulling its funding, and that has led to several lawsuits from vendors who've not yet been paid.

Those small businesses were very much in Poulter's thoughts as he revealed he has no real idea of which way LIV's future will go - and indeed nobody really does.

"This final phase has been tough and none of us knows exactly what comes next," Pouler added.

"My thoughts are especially with the businesses and suppliers still owed money. Some are small businesses and I sincerely hope those situations are dealt with properly and quickly."

Poulter has never hidden the fact he made the LIV move partly to cash in later on in his career, and he's more than happy with his choice.

"I know some people didn’t agree with my decision to join LIV," he added. "I’ve never hidden from the financial side. Golfers have received appearance fees around the world throughout my career and still do today.

"LIV gave me a significant opportunity late in my career and I took it. People make career decisions every day based on opportunity, family and financial security. Professional sport is no different."

With so many moving parts, even players as involved and business savvy as Poulter still don't know what the outcome will be - but no matter which way it goes he's enjoyed his time at LIV Golf.

"Whatever happens next, I’m proud of what we achieved," he concluded. "LIV 1.0 - it’s been one hell of a ride."

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Paul Higham is a sports journalist with over 20 years of experience in covering most major sporting events for both Sky Sports and BBC Sport. He is currently freelance and covers the golf majors on the BBC Sport website. Highlights over the years include covering that epic Monday finish in the Ryder Cup at Celtic Manor and watching Rory McIlroy produce one of the most dominant Major wins at the 2011 US Open at Congressional. He also writes betting previews and still feels strangely proud of backing Danny Willett when he won the Masters in 2016 - Willett also praised his putting stroke during a media event before the Open at Hoylake. Favourite interviews he's conducted have been with McIlroy, Paul McGinley, Thomas Bjorn, Rickie Fowler and the enigma that is Victor Dubuisson. A big fan of watching any golf from any tour, sadly he spends more time writing about golf than playing these days with two young children, and as a big fair weather golfer claims playing in shorts is worth at least five shots. Being from Liverpool he loves the likes of Hoylake, Birkdale and the stretch of tracks along England's Golf Coast, but would say his favourite courses played are Kingsbarns and Portrush.