South African golfer Louis Oosthuizen has confirmed he will not re-sign with LIV Golf. He will return to the DP World Tour in January 2027.
The 2010 Open champion will give up his playing role and his captaincy at Southern Guards GC. He has led the all-South African team since LIV Golf started.
“This is probably the hardest decision I’ve had to make in my career, but I have to do what I believe is right for my golf. It doesn’t change how I feel about the team or the guys,” Oosthuizen said, according to The South African.
Oosthuizen said the main reason for the move was the playing schedule. He wants more control over when and where he plays.
“I realised I have a lot more in me, and my biggest fear was that the schedule on LIV 2.0 would be tough to manage,” he said.
“I feel I have a few more years of good, competitive golf left in me, and the only way to be really sharp and competitive is through a schedule I control,” he added.
He said he still believes in the team format. “I’m the biggest supporter of team golf and always will be. Golf needs more of it,” Oosthuizen said.
He said leaving was hard because of his bond with the team and the people who helped build it. “Southern Guards is my team. It always has been and it always will be. That’s what makes this so difficult,” he said.
Over the past five seasons, the team brought him together with his longtime friends Charl Schwartzel, Branden Grace and Dean Burmester.
A high point came in March 2026, when LIV Golf held its first South African event at Steyn City. Southern Guards GC finished second in front of home fans. It was the team’s best result of the season.
“Bringing LIV Golf to South Africa was one of the best things I’ve done in my career. It was for the people of South Africa, and I think it was a great success,” Oosthuizen said.
He also thanked the league and its backers. “I’ll always be grateful to PIF and LIV for what they did for me. I made new friends and got even closer to my current friends and family,” he said.
The DP World Tour is where Oosthuizen began his career. He turned professional in 2002 and started playing on the tour in 2004.
“It’s where I started as a youngster back in 2004 after turning professional in 2002, so I’m happy to be back. I’m especially looking forward to revisiting some of the courses I haven’t played in a while,” he said.
His next event will be the 65th Link Hong Kong Open. It takes place from 22 to 25 October 2026 at the Hong Kong Golf Club in Fanling.
After that, he will prepare for the 2027 season. His return to the DP World Tour is set for January.
Source: this article is based on reporting by The South African. Image: The South African. Written with the help of AI and published by the Tzaneen Voice Sports desk. See our Editorial Standards.
Tiyani Mathebula writes about sport for Tzaneen Voice. Tiyani covers Bafana Bafana, the Springboks, the Proteas and the PSL, along with athletics, tennis and local club sport. Match reports and previews focus on results, team news, fixtures and what each game means for South African teams and fans.