Louis Oosthuizen leaves LIV Golf for planned DP World Tour return

Louis Oosthuizen has announced that he is leaving LIV Golf, with a return to the DP World Tour planned for January 2027. Field Level Media reported that the South African confirmed his decision on Wednesday, October 21, ending his playing role and captaincy with Southern Guards GC as LIV attempts to organise its next season.

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The 44-year-old made scheduling flexibility central to his explanation. According to BBC Sport, Oosthuizen said he believed he still had several competitive years ahead but feared the proposed LIV 2.0 calendar would be difficult to manage. He wants greater control over when he plays, which he regards as necessary to maintain the standard he expects of himself.

His departure does not represent a rejection of team golf. Field Level Media reported that Oosthuizen remained strongly supportive of the format and described a lasting attachment to Southern Guards. He played alongside Charl Schwartzel, Branden Grace and Dean Burmester in the all-South African lineup. The team responded on social media by thanking its departing captain for his leadership and wishing him well.

Oosthuizen joined LIV in 2022 after a career that included victory in the 2010 Open Championship at St Andrews. BBC Sport reported that he has won 11 times on the DP World Tour and finished runner-up at least once in each of the other three majors. He described leaving LIV as an especially difficult professional decision.

The announcement comes during a period of financial uncertainty for the league. BBC Sport reported that LIV sought Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the United States in September after Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund withdrew its backing. The broadcaster also said DP World Tour chief executive Guy Kinnings had stated that players continuing with LIV could not hold European tour membership next season.

Oosthuizen's immediate competitive plans include the Hong Kong Open, scheduled for October 22-25 at Hong Kong Golf Club in Fanling, according to the statement reproduced by Field Level Media. His intended January return to the DP World Tour follows that appearance. LIV, meanwhile, hopes to launch its restructured competition in 2027; that remains a plan rather than a completed relaunch.