Former Open Champion Louis Oosthuizen Exits LIV Golf

WHO:

Fox News - Louis Oosthuizen, a 44-year-old South African, 2010 Open champion and former world number four, announced he is leaving LIV Golf. He joined the league in 2022 and captained its all-South African team.

BBC - Oosthuizen said leaving was “probably the hardest decision I’ve had to make in my career.” He described himself as “the biggest supporter of team golf.”

BBC - Other players reported to have announced departures include Thomas Pieters, Sergio Garcia, Abraham Ancer, David Puig and Adrian Meronk.

Fox News - Cameron Tringale, Richard Bland, Ben Campbell, Victor Perez and Brendan Steele appeared to be the only players to have committed to LIV 2.0.

BBC - Jon Rahm reportedly gave up £75 million owed by LIV after reaching a separation agreement. Brooks Koepka has rejoined the PGA Tour.

BBC - Guy Kinnings is CEO of the DP World Tour.

WHAT:

Fox News - Oosthuizen announced his departure from LIV Golf on social media and said he plans to return to the DP World Tour.

BBC - Oosthuizen said he had “a few more years of good, competitive golf left” and that a schedule he controls would help him stay sharp and competitive.

Fox News - LIV filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. BC Partners committed to a financing target of $300 million to support a possible 2027 return.

BBC - LIV secured possible financing of $300 million (£224.2 million) from BC Partners Credit to try to proceed with a 2027 season.

WHERE:

BBC - LIV filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the United States.

Fox News - A federal bankruptcy court was told about LIV’s prospects; the article does not name the court’s location.

WHEN:

Fox News - The article says Oosthuizen’s departure came days before an October 25 commitment deadline for LIV 2.0.

Fox News - A LIV lawyer reportedly told a federal bankruptcy judge that the league would know by the end of the month whether it could continue into 2027 or would shut down.

Fox News - LIV’s financial support from Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund was due to end after the 2026 campaign.

BBC - Oosthuizen plans to return to the DP World Tour in 2027; the tour said continuing LIV players would not be allowed to be its members the following season.

WHY:

Fox News - Oosthuizen said concern that the LIV 2.0 schedule would be difficult to manage was a key reason for leaving.

BBC - Oosthuizen said he had to do what he believed was right for his golf and wanted a more flexible playing schedule.

HOW:

BBC - LIV filed for Chapter 11 after Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund withdrew its multibillion-dollar backing.

BBC - The PGA Tour changed its rules to permit Koepka’s return, subject to certain sanctions.

(UPDATED October 21, 2026 17:28 UTC)

Louis Oosthuizen is leaving LIV Golf and plans to return to the DP World Tour in 2027, saying a more flexible schedule is right for his game. The 2010 Open champion, who joined LIV in 2022 and captained its all-South African team, said leaving was probably the hardest decision of his career. He also said he remains a strong supporter of team golf and has a few more competitive years ahead. His departure comes as LIV faces financial uncertainty after Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund withdrew its backing and the league filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the United States. BC Partners has committed to possible financing of $300 million to support a 2027 season. Other players, including Sergio Garcia and Thomas Pieters, have also reportedly announced departures. Brooks Koepka has rejoined the PGA Tour, while Jon Rahm reportedly gave up £75 million in a separation agreement.