"You realise how much you took for granted" Ryder Cup icon reveals post-LIV plans

European Ryder Cup icon Graeme McDowell has revealed he will sit down with DP World Tour (DPWT) officials in November to finalise a plan for his return in 2027. 

McDowell was among the first wave of players to be recruited by LIV Golf in 2022 but the league is now reeling from the withdrawal of Saudi Arabian financial backing. 

This week, McDowell's former Ryder Cup teammate, Martin Kaymer, claimed there was only a five per cent chance LIV's $40m team finale will go ahead next month.  

And several LIV Golf players are reportedly preparing for life beyond the breakaway league, even if its embattled chief executive, Scott O'Neil, secures the $350m in funding needed to keep it afloat.

McDowell acknowledged to BBC Sport that LIV faces "headwinds", but stressed regardless of LIV's situation he'll be a European Tour player in some capacity.

"We've had good conversations this year," McDowell told the publication of his conversation with DPWT bosses.

"If LIV gets something done, great. 

"If they don't, then maybe I'm just a European Tour player - and we go from there. I'm lucky to have that option."

LIV Golf need some $350m from new investors to keep going in 2027.

League officials remain optimistic "LIV Golf 2.0" will happen, albeit dramatically scaled back. 

It also remains to be seen how the new version of LIV would fare without its alliance with the Asian Tour. 

"There's no doubt there are headwinds," added McDowell. 

"LIV are working incredibly hard behind the scenes trying to bring investment in. 

"As players, all we can do is support and be good assets.

"Regardless of whether LIV Golf can find a solution to continue, I'll play as a European Tour player in some way, shape or form next season, assuming the Tour still want me and we can figure that relationship out."

"You realise how much you took for granted"

McDowell joined LIV Golf in June 2022. 

He was never involved in any lawsuits, opting to resign his memberships with the DP World Tour and PGA Tour. 

McDowell has settled his financial penalties with the DPWT, he said. 

"In April and May of 2022, I was contemplating the end of my career," McDowell added.

"I'd even been on the phone with TV networks thinking about commentary. 

LIV gave me a runway to keep competing. Here I am four years later, still chasing my dream every day. 

"I'll always be thankful for that."

McDowell is also ready for the next chapter of his career. He'll turn 50 in three years' time. 

"It would be amazing to be a rookie again. Seeing [Ian] Poulter and [Henrik] Stenson at the U.S. Senior Open was inspiring.

"The question is how I stay competitive for the next couple of years so I'm ready at 50."

He added: "I've missed a lot of things, the European Tour, the PGA Tour, the majors, the pathways, the crowds, the camaraderie.

"Being back at Shinnecock (Hills, for the US Open) was amazing. 

"Seeing all the lads again, the reception, the friendships - you realise how much you took for granted. I've missed it all, massively."