Rising star confirms LIV Golf exit in another huge blow for league

David Puig has confirmed he will leave LIV Golf at the end of the 2026 season, dealing another significant blow to the breakaway league as it prepares for its proposed new era in 2027.

The rising 24-year-old Spanish star revealed his decision after opening with a level-par 71 at the Spanish Open in Madrid, confirming he intends to return to the DP World Tour for a fuller schedule next season.

“I don’t see myself playing in LIV 2.0 next year,” Puig told reporters at Club de Campo Villa de Madrid.

“It’s a decision I’ve practically made. I’ve always really enjoyed my time on the European Tour and I hope to play here more next year with a fuller schedule.”

The announcement represents another notable loss for LIV Golf, with Puig still regarded as one of the most promising young talents in professional golf despite a challenging 2026 campaign.

The Spaniard has already claimed three professional titles worldwide, highlighted by the BMW Australian PGA Championship at the end of 2025, and he currently sits 82nd in the world rankings.

While he may not have enjoyed his best season on LIV in 2026, his potential remains considerable, making his decision to walk away an unwelcome development for the league.

Puig grateful for LIV experience

Puig joined LIV Golf at its summer launch in 2022, initially competing for Torque GC before moving to Sergio Garcia’s Fireballs GC.

Despite deciding against continuing into the league’s proposed 2027 structure, the Spaniard was keen to acknowledge the impact his time on LIV had on his career.

“It’s been wonderful,” Puig added. 

“Being able to play in the Spanish Open, winning on the European and Asian tours, being in the top 100 of the rankings… it’s made me a better player.

“I’ve been surrounded by incredibly talented players and I’m very grateful.”

Puig's departure from LIV will give him greater scope to compete regularly on the DP World Tour, where he was already a member. 

A return to a fuller European schedule could also help Puig pursue his longer-term ambition of earning a place on the PGA Tour.

Although breaking into Europe’s Ryder Cup team for 2027 may be a difficult task given the competition for places, Puig has time on his side and could emerge as a contender in future editions.

LIV faces growing uncertainty

Puig’s announcement comes just a day after compatriot Jon Rahm confirmed he is quitting LIV Golf.

Rahm, who joined the league in a reported $350 million deal at the end of 2023, had been one of its marquee signings. 

His decision to walk away leaves LIV facing the potential loss of another major name as it attempts to establish its next chapter.

Puig's good friend and childhood hero Garcia has also terminated his contract, although the 2017 Masters champion has not completely ruled out involvement with LIV’s proposed new era. 

Garcia has instead made clear his ambitions to return to the European Ryder Cup team in 2027, revealing that he has spoken to captain Luke Donald about his intentions to compete more regularly on the DP World Tour.

He has even expressed an interest in becoming one of Donald’s vice-captains at Adare Manor if he fails to make the playing team, although current Ryder Cup Europe rules would need to change for that to happen.

Adrian Meronk is another player who has already confirmed he wants nothing to do with LIV Golf in 2027. 

That update came just days after the Pole captured his fifth DP World Tour title with a two-shot victory at St Andrews. 

The growing list of players distancing themselves from LIV raises further questions about the strength of its roster heading into 2027.

For Puig, however, the decision appears to be about what comes next rather than what he is leaving behind.

The Spaniard has already established himself as a player capable of winning at the highest level, and a return to a fuller DP World Tour schedule could provide the platform he needs to take the next step in his career.