LIV Golf dealt another huge blow as star player confirms 2.0 exit

Abraham Ancer will not be part of LIV Golf’s proposed new era in 2027, with the Mexican set to turn his attention towards the DP World Tour after deciding against renewing his contract.

According to Sports Business Journal’s Josh Carpenter, Ancer’s LIV contract expired after the 2026 season, with the 35-year-old planning to compete on the DP World Tour next year.

Ancer reportedly made the decision not to renew his deal in the spring, meaning his departure has been in the works for some time as LIV Golf prepares for a potential new chapter under proposed backing from credit firm BC Partners.

His exit represents another significant change to LIV’s playing roster, with several established names now set to miss the league’s proposed 2027 iteration.

Ancer made his LIV Golf debut at the league’s second event in 2022 and quickly established himself as a consistent performer. 

He initially represented Sergio Garcia’s Fireballs GC before joining Joaquin Niemann’s Torque GC, where he continued to compete among the league’s leading players.

The Mexican secured his sole LIV Golf individual title in Hong Kong in 2024, adding to an impressive professional career that includes victory at the 2021 WGC-FedEx St. Jude Invitational.

Ancer to play on DP World Tour

Ancer is a proven player at the highest level, and a return to the DP World Tour could provide the platform for him to kickstart his career in a new environment in 2027.

The Mexican has demonstrated his quality on both sides of the Atlantic, winning the 2021 WGC-FedEx St. Jude Invitational on the PGA Tour before claiming LIV Golf victory in Hong Kong three years later.

At 35, Ancer still has plenty to offer, and regular competition on the DP World Tour would give him an opportunity to demonstrate his ability against a different field while keeping his longer-term ambitions alive.

A potential return to the PGA Tour in 2028 could also become an objective, although that would depend on the relevant eligibility requirements and any decisions made by the American circuit.

Like other LIV players who hold PGA Tour membership, Ancer remains suspended by the PGA Tour, meaning a move to the DP World Tour would not automatically guarantee his return.

For now, his immediate focus is expected to be on the 2027 season, where he will look to make an impact back on the DP World Tour and put himself in the strongest possible position for whatever opportunities emerge next.

LIV Golf faces more questions over 2027 roster

Ancer’s departure comes amid wider uncertainty over LIV Golf’s future following the Saudi Public Investment Fund’s decision to end its financial backing after five years.

The league is exploring a new era supported by proposed investment from BC Partners Credit, with a potential $300 million deal central to its plans for 2027 and beyond.

However, the playing roster is already facing notable changes.

Jon Rahm has ruled himself out of LIV Golf’s proposed new era, while David Puig and Adrian Meronk have also indicated they will not commit. 

Garcia is another potential departure after terminating his LIV contract and becoming a free agent.

Ancer now joins that growing list of players who will not be part of LIV’s proposed next chapter.

The league still has time to clarify its future, with the current player deadline set for October 25. 

GolfMagic understands there is interest from other players ahead of the new era, although final decisions are still to be made.

Cameron Tringale, meanwhile, has confirmed he intends to remain with LIV if its proposed relaunch goes ahead, joining France’s Victor Perez and England’s Richard Bland as the only three players to have publicly declared their interest so far.

Ancer’s future plans also come after a challenging period with his health, with the Mexican revealing that he underwent surgery six weeks ago after struggling with back pain for several years.

In a personal statement, Ancer explained that he had made every effort to manage the issue with the help of his physiotherapist, Christian, and his wider team, but ultimately concluded that surgery was the only option.

The World No.219 admitted that stepping away from golf was a difficult decision, but said his long-term health had to take priority as he begins the recovery process.

Ancer is now focused on rehabilitation, with the aim of returning to the game stronger and healthier.

“I believe my best golf is yet to come,” he said.