Lucas Herbert Declines LIV Golf 2.0 Ahead of Oct. 25 Deadline

Lucas Herbert has turned down a spot in LIV Golf's planned 2.0 relaunch, becoming the third player this week to walk away from the team league ahead of a league deadline. FlushingIt reported Herbert's decision Thursday, placing him alongside Ian Poulter and Branden Grace in the "no" column as LIV CEO Scott O'Neil works to lock in enough talent to close a reported $300 million investment from BC Partners by Oct. 25.

How big a loss is Herbert for LIV?

Herbert finished fourth in LIV's 2025 individual standings with two wins, making him one of the league's steadiest performers last season. He matched the major championship record with a 62 at Royal Birkdale during a T6 finish at the Open Championship, then followed it a week later with a 61 at JCB Golf & Country Club to win the LIV Golf UK event.

What does it mean for Ripper GC?

Herbert's exit also raises questions about his Ripper GC team, which finished second in the 2025 team standings alongside captain Cameron Smith, Marc Leishman and Elvis Smylie. Smith, also Australian, has not announced his own plans for 2.0.

Three of LIV's steadier performers from last season — Poulter, Grace and now Herbert — have all said no to the 2.0 relaunch in the same week.

Who else has ruled out LIV 2.0?

Herbert joins Jon Rahm, David Puig, Abraham Ancer and Louis Oosthuizen on the list of players who have already ruled out 2.0, a tally that grew further with Poulter's and Grace's exits this week. DP World Tour chief Guy Kinnings has taken a hardline stance requiring players to commit to one circuit or the other, a factor several departing players have cited.

A one-year ban tied to leaving LIV would keep Herbert out of competition in 2026 unless he reaches an arrangement with the DP World Tour, where he remains a three-time winner but currently holds no status. His management team was already discussing a possible return to the PGA Tour as of August.