Another major champion has walked away from LIV Golf as the league fights to survive its bankruptcy proceedings. Louis Oosthuizen, the 2010 Open champion, announced on Wednesday that he will not join the proposed LIV 2.0 circuit, according to GolfMagic. In 2027, he intends to resume DP World Tour participation to control his personal playing calendar. His departure leaves the struggling league with only four players who have publicly committed to staying with the venture before the October 25 deadline.
The exodus of top talent puts the future of the league in serious doubt just days before a critical decision point. Oosthuizen cited the heavy travel demands of the new schedule as his main reason for leaving. He wants to play near one location for several weeks at a time instead of flying internationally for single events. This move follows similar decisions by Jon Rahm and others, signaling that the league may not have enough stars to continue operations.
A Difficult Choice for a Team Captain
Oosthuizen described his decision as the hardest one he has ever had to make in his professional career. He was the captain of the Southern Guards GC team since the league started in 2022. He has deep ties to the all-South African roster, which includes players like Charl Schwartzel and Branden Grace. In a statement posted on social media, he said that team golf is something he will always support. He believes the sport needs more team formats to thrive.
Despite his love for the team aspect, Oosthuizen felt he could not commit to the travel required by the new LIV plan. For a 44-year-old physique, the timetable proved too demanding, he informed the South China Morning Post. He wants to keep his game sharp for the remaining years of his career. The only way to do that, he explained, is to control his own calendar and rest periods between tournaments.
Oosthuizen emphasized that leaving does not mean he dislikes his teammates or the league structure. He called bringing LIV Golf to South Africa one of the best things he has done in his career. March 2026 saw the squad secure second place before home supporters, a source of pride for the captain. He expressed gratitude to the league and the players for the friendships he made during his five years with the organization.
The Pressure of the Travel Schedule
The main reason Oosthuizen is leaving is the proposed schedule for LIV 2.0. Extensive global travel for individual tournaments forms a major part of the revised strategy. He explained that he needs to arrange his own schedule to look after his body. His preference is to compete at a single location for three consecutive weeks. This approach allows him to practice more and recover properly without the stress of constant flying.
This concern about travel was not new for Oosthuizen. He had previously mentioned it while speaking about his future before the Hong Kong Open. He noted that the current model of flying to a different country every week is too much for a veteran player. He believes several additional years of strong, competitive golf remain within his capabilities. To perform at his best, he believes he must be in control of where and when he plays.
Although 14 tournaments were scheduled for 2026 by the league, cancellations reduced the total to 12. Reports suggest the new LIV 2.0 model might cut that number to 10 events. However, half of these events would still be overseas, which creates the same travel burden. Oosthuizen feels that this structure is not sustainable for his body at this stage of his life. He wants to focus on being sharp for the major championships.
A Shrinking List of Committed Players
With Oosthuizen leaving, the list of players who have publicly committed to LIV 2.0 is very short. This is a very small number for a league that hopes to restart in 2027. The league had set a requirement for a certain number of players to commit, but the exact rules have become unclear in recent court filings.
Bryson DeChambeau had previously shown support for LIV Golf and met with potential investors. However, the court recently rejected his contract along with those of other big names like Dustin Johnson and Cameron Smith. These players are now free to negotiate new deals or leave the league entirely. The uncertainty is high as the October 25 deadline approaches. Lawyers for LIV have said they will know if the league has a future by the end of the month.
Many other stars have already signaled they are done with LIV. Jon Rahm reached a separation agreement, and Sergio Garcia was allowed to terminate his deal. Adrian Meronk, David Puig, Charles Howell III, and others have also indicated they will not stay. Joaquin Niemann is reportedly weighing a departure as well. If more players follow Oosthuizen out, the league may not have enough roster depth to operate.
The Bankruptcy and Financial Uncertainty
Following the withdrawal of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund support, LIV Golf sought Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in September. The league is now trying to restructure with a new backer called BC Partners. This firm has ties to GSE Worldwide, the agency that represents many of the players. A judge approved a preliminary agreement for a recapitalization transaction, but questions remain about the details.
It is unclear if the financing from BC Partners is a loan or if it depends on other investors. Some critics wonder if the firm is using LIV Golf just for a tax write-off. The league needs players to agree to an equity-based model where golfers hold a 52.5 percent stake. This plan requires players to invest their own money, which is a big risk for many of them. The lack of commitment from top players makes this financial model very difficult to achieve.
The league’s attorneys have cautioned that the DP World Tour’s position might disrupt their reorganization efforts. The DP World Tour said it is banning LIV players from its events starting in 2027. Those still with LIV must apply for membership by November 16. The rules now state that double-dipping between tours is not allowed. This adds another layer of complexity for players trying to decide their future.
Oosthuizen’s Plan for the DP World Tour
Oosthuizen aims to rejoin the DP World Tour circuit starting in January 2027. He can regain his membership through a Legends exemption category. He has 11 wins on that tour in the past and knows how to succeed there. He will start the year competing in events in South Africa that are co-sanctioned with the Sunshine Tour. This gives him a familiar environment to begin his new chapter.
His main goal is to get his game sharp enough to compete in major championships again. He won the Open Championship at St Andrews in 2010 and has finished second in the other three majors. He wants to return to the course where he won his only major title. The 2027 Open will be held at St Andrews, which is a perfect opportunity for him to make a run at another title.
Oosthuizen said he hopes to get his body and game in a place where he can contend for majors next year. He wants to be ready for the Open and see how it goes. He believes that controlling his schedule is the only way to be really sharp. This move allows him to focus on his health and his swing without the pressure of a rigid international schedule.
The Legacy of the Southern Guards Team
Oosthuizen’s departure leaves the future of the Southern Guards GC team uncertain. He was the captain of the all-South African franchise since the league began. The team includes players like Dean Burmester who have played alongside him for years. It was a personal project for Oosthuizen to bring a South African team to the league. Now the lineup faces a difficult question about who will lead them in 2027.
The team finished second in the South African event in March 2026. That was the best result of the season for the franchise. It was a special moment for the team to perform well in front of their home supporters. Oosthuizen called that event a great success and one of the best things that came out of the year. The team’s identity is closely tied to his leadership and his presence.
Even though he is leaving the playing side, Oosthuizen said the team will always be his team. He emphasized that his feelings for the guys have not changed. He believes that golf needs more team formats, and he will always support that idea. However, he felt he had to prioritize his own career and his physical well-being. This decision shows that even loyal captains must make hard choices for their own futures.
The exit of Oosthuizen and other major champions highlights the instability of LIV Golf. The league started with a lot of money and big names, but it is now losing its star power. Only four players have committed to the new version of the league. This suggests that the equity model may not work if players are not willing to invest. The league faces a critical test in the next few days.
The DP World Tour has taken a hard stance against LIV players. By banning them from its events in 2027, the tour is forcing players to choose sides. This makes it even harder for LIV to keep its roster intact. Players like Oosthuizen are choosing to go back to a traditional tour where they can control their schedules. This trend could continue if the league does not offer a better plan.
The golf world is watching to see if LIV Golf can survive the end of the month. The bankruptcy judge will have the final say on whether the league can continue.