Six big names who have quit LIV Golf could soon be followed by another half-dozen as the rebel league struggles to stay afloat. LIV is currently going through Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings in the United States after Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) withdrew its support, having lavished £4billion in four years to lure star names from the traditional tours.
Chapter 11 and LIV 2.0 funding
Chapter 11 proceedings give a struggling business breathing space to restructure its debts and temporarily stave off creditors. LIV has secured an initial funding commitment of up to £227m from BC Partners Credit to help relaunch LIV 2.0 in 2027.
However, it won't be enough to keep most of the league's big names, many of whom have already escaped or are exploring their exit routes. Brooks Koepka became the first major champion to quit LIV Golf in December 2025, citing family reasons.
Who has already left
Patrick Reed, who currently leads the DP World Tour's Race to Dubai standings, soon followed suit. Sergio Garcia recently successfully secured a court order lifting the automatic stay on his contract, allowing him to consider his options for 2027. Europe's leading points scorer wants to be part of next year's Ryder Cup, either as a player or a vice-captain.
Jon Rahm is set to quit after refusing to accept new terms offered for its proposed relaunch. He is reported to be owed up to £113m for the remainder of the contract he signed almost three years ago.
Adrian Meronk, who joined LIV around the same time as Rahm, has reportedly severed ties with the tour, as has Spanish youngster David Puig, who has switched his membership to the DP World Tour.
Six more eyeing exits
Further to those players, six more are looking to leave the league. The group is led by former Open champion Cam Smith, reports Golf Digest.
While he hasn't confirmed he intends to leave, he wants greater contractual freedom. However, combining LIV action with the PGA Tour or DP World Tour does not look feasible.
If a player leaves LIV Golf, PGA Tour rules require them to wait 12 months from their last unaffiliated or unauthorised event before applying to return. However, they would still be eligible for the four majors.
Meanwhile, the DP World Tour has tightened its rules by barring LIV players from its events in 2027. DP World Tour chief executive officer Guy Kinnings has said players must now "make a choice."
Kinnings told the BBC: "We have rules and regulations which are there to protect our tour and which our members must all abide by. Players who are not willing to comply with our rules and regulations should not be seeking to join our tour."
Along with Smith, Marc Leishman, Matthew Wolff, Harold Varner III, Cameron Tringale and Byeong Hun An are using the LIV bankruptcy proceedings to extract themselves from their contracts. Players have until next month to decide which tour they intend to play on in 2027.
