Main Story

Louis Oosthuizen is leaving LIV Golf and plans to play on the DP World Tour in 2027, saying he wants control over his schedule and believes he has a few more competitive years left. The former Open champion called leaving the Southern Guards—the all-South African team he captained throughout LIV’s existence—the hardest decision of his career. He says his focus is sharpening his game for the majors.

By the Numbers
  • Oosthuizen won the 2010 Open Championship.
  • He has five major runner-up finishes.
  • He is ranked No. 539, down from a career high of No. 4.
  • He is exempt into every Open through age 60.
Yes, But

His 2010 Open victory secures his place in that championship, including its return to St. Andrews’ Old Course next July. But he still has significant work to do to qualify for the other 2027 majors, and leaving LIV means giving up the team and league he says he remains grateful for.

State of Play
  • Oosthuizen joins Jon Rahm as a prominent LIV player to confirm an exit.
  • Sergio Garcia’s future is unsettled after his contract was terminated at his lawyers’ request.
  • The DP World Tour’s ban on LIV players could force Garcia to choose between the tours.
What's Next

Oosthuizen is expected to join the DP World Tour in 2027 and prepare for the majors. His immediate priority is regaining competitive sharpness; qualifying for the majors beyond the Open remains a challenge.

Bottom Line

Oosthuizen is trading LIV’s team format for greater control of his schedule—and a clearer shot at pursuing the major championships that still define his ambitions.