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‘Don't see myself playing': LIV exodus continues with young phenom's decision

LIV Golf’s player exodus deepened this week as Spanish standout David Puig announced he will not join the league’s proposed 2027 revival, choosing instead to compete full-time on the DP World Tour. The 24-year-old, who joined LIV as a pro in 2022 after two amateur events—including the league’s inaugural tournament—has spent his entire career in the Saudi-backed circuit, finishing as high as ninth in the 2026 season standings despite never winning a LIV event.

Puig’s decision comes after a strong run outside LIV, including his first DP World Tour victory at the 2025 BMW Australian PGA Championship and two Asian Tour wins in 2023 and 2024. His departure follows a wave of high-profile defections, including fellow Spaniards Jon Rahm and Sergio Garcia, who both terminated their LIV contracts amid uncertainty over the league’s future direction and financial stability under new CEO Scott O’Neil.

Puig’s announcement at the Open de Espana marked another blow to LIV’s efforts to rebuild credibility and attract top talent ahead of its planned 2027 relaunch, which hinges on securing major names to sustain investment and fan interest.

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