Louis Oosthuizen to quit LIV Golf and return to DP World Tour in 2027

The 2010 Open Champion will step away from his playing role and captaincy at Southern Guards GC, the all-South African team he has led since LIV Golf's inception and was one of the main drivers behind his decision to make the move.

"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," said Oosthuizen.

"I'm the biggest supporter of team golf and always will be. Golf needs more of it."

Despite his love for the team format, Oosthuizen ultimately decided to quit LIV because he believes a more flexible schedule will help him remain competitive for the next few years.

"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."

For Oosthuizen, the decision has been particularly difficult because of his connection to Southern Guards GC and his South African teammates.

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

"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."

Reflecting on his time with the league, Oosthuizen expressed his gratitude to those who made the journey possible.

"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," he said.

LIV Golf players reportedly have until October 25 to decide whether or not they will commit to LIV Golf 2.0.

Oosthuizen's fellow countrymen and Southern Guards teammates - Charl Schwartzel, Branden Grace, and Dean Burmester - remain listed among the undecided players ahead of the deadline.