Report: Seven LIV Golf players plan shock exits after season amid league uncertainty

Seven LIV Golf players have reportedly told Flushing It they intend to leave the breakaway circuit at the end of the 2026 season, regardless of whether the league secures fresh investment for next year.

The bombshell claim comes amid growing uncertainty over LIV Golf's long-term future after the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) confirmed earlier this season it will end its financial backing of the league after 2026.

According to Flushing It, at least seven players have made up their minds to depart the league despite LIV Golf executives attempting to reassure competitors that talks with potential investors remain ongoing.

LIV Golf CEO Scott O'Neil is said to have held a meeting with team captains at JCB Golf & Country Club on Tuesday, shortly after the Asian Tour announced it would join the PGA Tour and DP World Tour's new global pathway system, marking a blow to LIV Golf and it's International Series partnership within the circuit. 

Captains were reportedly informed there is interest from prospective investors, but few concrete details were offered, doing little to ease growing concerns inside the league.

"Seven players have told me directly they plan to leave the league after the season finishes, regardless of whether LIV Golf finds funding," Flushing It reported.

The PIF is understood to have pumped at least $5 billion into LIV Golf since its launch in 2022, but with funding due to end after next month, LIV currently has no confirmed financial backer heading into 2027.

While some players remain hopeful the league can survive, there is an increasing sense that others are preparing for life beyond LIV Golf.

Is the end nigh for LIV Golf?

On Wednesday, Cleeks GC captain Martin Kaymer cast further doubt over the league's immediate future, telling Today's Golfer there is only a "five per cent" chance the season-ending $40m Team Championship in Michigan will go ahead as scheduled at the end of August.

Flushing It reports that many younger LIV players now view the pathway taken by the likes of Patrick Reed and Eugenio Chacarra — earning access to the PGA Tour via the DP World Tour — as the most realistic route back to mainstream professional golf.

Elsewhere, several senior players are believed to be exploring eligibility for the PGA Tour Champions, following the path recently taken by Pat Perez.

The Asian Tour's decision this week to become part of the new global pathway is understood to have only strengthened these exit plans. 

Although many LIV players do not hold DP World Tour status, several have eligibility through The International Series, giving them a potential route to the PGA Tour via strong performances in Asia.

One LIV player, speaking anonymously to Flushing It, explained the thinking behind the growing exodus.

"I have to look after myself and my career," he said.

"Every year I play on LIV is another suspension. I can play the next few events and make as much money as I can and then play in Asia and get DP invites. 

"I could be on the PGA Tour in two years if I play well."

LIV Golf returns this week in the UK following a seven-week break caused by the cancellation of its scheduled June event in New Orleans. 

The lengthy hiatus was viewed as a crucial period for the league to secure fresh investment, but it would appear there has been little meaningful progress.

"Officials are talking positively, as they always do, but without an investor officially signing and releasing funds, it means nothing," Flushing It concluded.

"Players are, rightfully, making alternative plans to secure the future of their careers."

With fresh investment yet to be secured and players increasingly looking towards opportunities on the DP World Tour, Asian Tour and even PGA Tour Champions, LIV now faces a race against time to convince both its competitors and the wider golf world that it can remain a viable force in professional golf.