Louis Oosthuizen has decided not to extend his contract with LIV Golf for the next phase and plans to return to the DP World Tour in January 2027. This move will allow him to take complete control of his playing schedule in the final stage of his career.
At 44 years old, the 2010 Open champion still believes there is 'much more' in him, but insists that the only way to remain truly competitive is to have 'a schedule that I control.'
By declining participation in the expanded and continuous calendar offered under the next phase of LIV, the South African golfer made the difficult decision to leave Southern Guards GC—the team he led since the launch of this tournament, composed exclusively of South African players.
Oosthuizen noted: 'I realized there is still a lot of strength in me, and my biggest fear was that the LIV 2.0 schedule would be hard to maintain.' He added: 'I feel I have several more years of good, competitive golf left, and the only way to be truly sharp and competitive is a schedule that I control.'
The golfer described leaving the franchise as one of the most difficult decisions of his 24-year professional career. Along with longtime friends Charles Swartzell, Brendan Grace, and Dean Bermster, Oosthuizen turned Southern Guards GC into a very personal venture, culminating in hosting LIV Golf on home soil in Steyn City earlier this year.
He acknowledged the difficulty of the situation, saying: 'Southern Guards is my team. It always has been and always will be. That's what makes it so hard.' However, he stressed: 'I must do what I believe is right for my golf. That doesn't change how I feel about the team or the guys.'
Despite maintaining faith in team golf, Oosthuizen's priorities have shifted strictly to managing his physical condition and maintaining competitive advantages. His return to the DP World Tour in 2027 closes the loop of his career, bringing him back to the tour where his international journey began more than two decades ago.
'That's where I started when I was young in 2004 after turning pro in 2002, so I am happy to return,' he stated. He also expressed anticipation: 'I am especially looking forward to playing again on some courses I haven't visited in a long time.'
Before focusing on creating an individually managed schedule for 2027, Oosthuizen will participate in the Hong Kong Open tournament this week.