Another major champion confirms decision to quit LIV Golf

Louis Oosthuizen has officially confirmed he will leave LIV Golf, with the 2010 Open champion choosing to return to the DP World Tour rather than commit to the league's proposed 2.0 era.

The Southern Guards GC captain announced his decision in a statement on social media, explaining that the demands of LIV Golf's revised schedule had played a significant role in his decision to walk away.

Oosthuizen had initially revealed his plans while speaking ahead of the Link Hong Kong Open, telling the South China Morning Post: "It's time to move on. It's a lot of international travel for single events."

However, his subsequent statement has provided further insight into the reasons behind his departure, with the 44-year-old South African admitting that the decision was particularly difficult given his attachment to LIV Golf and the all-South African team he has led since the league's inception.

"Five years ago, I made one of the best decisions of my life, moving away from the traditional golf world and into something very special with LIV Golf and Southern Guards GC," Oosthuizen said. "I'm the biggest supporter of team golf and always will be. Golf needs more of it."

Oosthuizen explains LIV Golf exit

Despite his enthusiasm for team golf, Oosthuizen believes returning to a more flexible schedule will give him the best chance of competing at the highest level during the remaining years of his career.

The former Open champion admitted he still believes he has plenty of competitive golf left in him, but became concerned about whether LIV Golf's next chapter would allow him to perform at his best.

"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 explained.

"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."

Oosthuizen's decision will see him step away from both his playing role and captaincy at Southern Guards GC, leaving the future of the franchise's current line-up uncertain.

Charl Schwartzel, Branden Grace and Dean Burmester have played alongside Oosthuizen for the all-South African team, which has been a particularly personal project for the former Open champion.

"Southern Guards is my team. It always has been and it always will be. That's what makes this so difficult," he added.

"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."

Southern Guards' South African milestone

Oosthuizen's departure also marks the end of a significant chapter for Southern Guards, particularly following LIV Golf's historic South African debut at Steyn City in March 2026.

The team finished second in front of its home supporters, recording its best result of the season in a tournament that held considerable personal significance for its captain.

Oosthuizen had previously described bringing LIV Golf to South Africa as one of the proudest achievements of his career, and reiterated that sentiment in his statement.

"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. That's the best thing that came out of this year," he said.

He also expressed his gratitude to those involved in his time with the league.

"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," Oosthuizen added.

His comments underline that the decision is not a rejection of team golf itself, but rather a move he believes is necessary to prolong his individual playing career.

LIV Golf faces further uncertainty ahead of 2.0

Oosthuizen becomes the latest prominent name to move away from LIV Golf as players decide whether to commit to its next chapter.

Jon Rahm has also been reported to be leaving the league, while Adrian Meronk, David Puig, Thomas Pieters and Charles Howell III have featured among the names linked with departures. Joaquin Niemann's future has also attracted attention amid the uncertainty surrounding LIV's next phase.

• LIV 2.0: Who is staying, leaving or still undecided?

Meanwhile, Bryson DeChambeau's position remains a major talking point as the league seeks commitments from its established stars.

Oosthuizen's exit is particularly significant given his status as a major champion and the leading figure behind Southern Guards GC. 

His decision also raises questions about the future of the team's all-South African line-up, with Schwartzel, Grace and Burmester yet to have their next moves established in this account.

When will Oosthuizen return to the DP World Tour?

Oosthuizen's immediate focus remains on the 65th Link Hong Kong Open, taking place this week at Hong Kong Golf Club in Fanling.

He will then turn his attention towards preparing for the 2027 season, with his return to the DP World Tour scheduled for January.

Oosthuizen, an 11-time winner on the European circuit, will return to the DP World Tour for 2027 via category 11 (legends/career money).

For the 2010 Open champion, the priority is to regain the form and consistency required to compete in the biggest tournaments, particularly the majors.

Oosthuizen has made no secret of his desire to challenge again at The Open, a championship he won at St Andrews and remains determined to contend for in the future.

"I hope to get my body and my game in a place next year [to be able to compete in majors]. The Open is at a course I love and where I've won," he previously said.

"The goal is to get my game as sharp as possible, to have myself ready, then see how it goes."

His LIV Golf chapter is now coming to an end, but Oosthuizen's ambitions at the highest level remain firmly intact. 

Oosthuizen's return to the DP World Tour will give him greater control over his schedule as he looks to make the most of what he believes are several more years of competitive golf.