By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
South African golf star Louis Oosthuizen leaves LIV Golf at the end of the current chapter and resume his DP World Tour career in January 2027.
This brings an end to his playing role and captaincy of Southern Guards GC, the all-South African team he has led since the league’s launch.
Oosthuizen (43) admits the decision was one of the most difficult of his professional career, given his commitment to team golf and the close relationships he has developed with his teammates.
LIV Golf, however, are hoping to relaunch under a new banner, at this stage titled LIV 2.0.
Oosthuizen said Wednesday, 21 October 2026, the decision to not re-sign with LIV was one of the hardest decisions of his career.
“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 the Southern Guards,” said Oosthuizen.
“I’m the biggest supporter of team golf and always will be. Golf needs more of it.”
The 2010 Open champion added a more flexible playing schedule will give him the best opportunity to compete at the level he still expects of himself.
“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.”
“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.”
Before turning his attention to preparations for the 2027 season, Oosthuizen will compete in the 65th Link Hong Kong Open from Thursday (22/10) to Sunday at Hong Kong Golf Club in Fanling.