Latest major champion to quit LIV Golf confirmed as 2.0 plans suffer fresh blow

Graeme McDowell has become the latest high-profile name to leave LIV Golf, confirming he will not pursue a place on the breakaway league's proposed new structure for 2027.

The 2010 U.S. Open champion announced his decision on Monday, ending his four-year spell with LIV Golf after joining the circuit at its launch in 2022.

McDowell, 47, has won 11 times on the DP World Tour and represented Europe in four Ryder Cups during a distinguished career. 

His departure represents another setback for LIV as it attempts to rebuild following the withdrawal of its Saudi funding this season. 

"I've decided not to pursue LIV 2.0," said McDowell, who never won an individual title on LIV Golf. 

"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's best result on LIV was a tie for second at the Virginia event in June 2025. 

He has not yet confirmed whether he intends to return to the DP World Tour or pursue other opportunities at this stage. 

McDowell changes stance after defending LIV Golf

McDowell's departure is particularly notable given his previous defence of LIV during a period of uncertainty surrounding its future.

In May, following news that Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) would stop funding the league beyond the 2026 season, the Northern Irishman struck a defiant tone.

Speaking to Garrett Johnston on the Beyond The Clubhouse podcast, McDowell acknowledged the pressure facing the circuit but criticised its detractors.

"It's been a tough few weeks for us. The haters have been flooding back out of their holes," he said.

Five months later, McDowell has decided against joining the league's proposed successor, LIV 2.0.

His exit adds to a growing list of prominent players opting against continuing as the league attempts to establish a new financial structure.

LIV Golf loses more major names

Two-time major champion Jon Rahm and 2010 Open champion Louis Oosthuizen have already confirmed their departures, while McDowell's fellow Northern Irishman Tom McKibbin announced last week that he was leaving to return to the DP World Tour.

England's Tyrrell Hatton and Ian Poulter have also opted against continuing for LIV's new era. 

The departures present LIV with a significant challenge as it attempts to recruit enough players to make its proposed relaunch viable.

The PIF withdrew its financial backing in April after investing more than $5 billion in the project. LIV subsequently filed for bankruptcy protection in the United States as it sought to navigate its financial difficulties.

Private-equity firm BC Partners Credit has since emerged as a potential investor, with a proposed $300 million investment intended to support LIV's next phase.

However, the deal depends on securing sufficient player commitments, leaving the league under pressure to finalise its plans for 2027.

Around 15 players reportedly commit to LIV 2.0

Despite the departures, there are signs LIV's proposed relaunch could still move forward.

The Financial Times reported on Sunday that around 15 unnamed golfers had tentatively committed to LIV 2.0, with further decisions potentially expected in the coming days.

BC Partners is reportedly targeting an initial roster of between 30 and 40 players, meaning the league still has considerable work to do before securing the proposed investment.

LIV's plans include a 10-event schedule in 2027, split between five tournaments in the United States and five international events, with ambitions to expand the calendar in the longer term.

The reported commitments offer some encouragement, but several prominent players have yet to clarify their futures.

Dustin Johnson leads push for PIF severance payments

Another obstacle is the dispute over outstanding player contracts.

Dustin Johnson is leading a group of more than 10 LIV golfers seeking severance payments from the PIF over contractual commitments reportedly worth more than $100 million.

According to reporting by Gabby Herzig of The Athletic, Johnson's group is not expected to sign the current restructuring agreement in its existing form.

The players want greater clarity over unpaid contracts before deciding whether to release potential claims against the PIF and join LIV 2.0.

Johnson's position is significant given his status as one of LIV's original headline recruits and captain of the 4 Aces team.

With McDowell now joining the list of departing stars, LIV faces a race to secure its future. 

Around 15 tentative commitments provide a starting point, but the further loss of major names and unresolved financial disputes underline the scale of the challenge ahead.