Branden Grace Leaves LIV Golf and Plans Full DP World Tour Return in 2027

South African golfer Branden Grace has confirmed his departure from LIV Golf and his intention to return to a full DP World Tour schedule in 2027. The announcement came on October 23, 2026, as players faced a decision about joining a proposed new version of LIV. For the 38-year-old, the move represents a return to the circuit on which he won nine titles and established much of his reputation.

Why Grace is heading back

In his statement, Grace described returning to the European circuit as a homecoming. He pointed to the seasons in which he made his name, particularly 2012, when he won four times on the DP World Tour. He also recalled the significance of winning the South African Open in front of supporters in his home country. The goal he outlined is competitive rather than ceremonial: he wants to contend internationally and begin another chapter of his career.

Grace did not frame his years at LIV Golf simply as a mistake. He expressed appreciation for the travel, team spirit and friendships he enjoyed alongside fellow South Africans. He joined LIV as an early recruit in 2022 and won its individual event in Portland in July of that year. Those experiences, he indicated, will remain important to him despite the change in direction.

The Southern Guards situation

Grace's former Southern Guards captain Louis Oosthuizen had already announced his own departure. Grace's decision leaves questions about the next steps for Charl Schwartzel and Dean Burmester, the two other members of their South African team. It is part of a broader set of moves involving experienced professionals, including Ian Poulter and Tom McKibbin, rather than an isolated contract decision.

The changing DP World Tour rules are an important part of the context. On October 12, chief executive Guy Kinnings said that golfers who signed up to compete in the next version of LIV in 2027 would not be accepted as members of the European circuit. Selected players had previously been granted conditional releases that allowed limited participation across the two tours. Under the policy announced for 2027, golfers must choose their route. The choice affects both their tournament calendar and their longer-term career opportunities.

What his return could mean

Grace arrives with a substantial record: nine DP World Tour titles, wins in several countries and a notable piece of major-championship history. At the 2017 Open Championship, he became the first player to shoot 62 in a men's major. That history does not guarantee future success, but it shows the level of experience returning to the European circuit.

There is also an important distinction between an announced plan and a confirmed full playing schedule. Grace has declared his intention to compete on the DP World Tour next season; the individual tournament entries and any remaining administrative eligibility steps must still be verified. Similarly, his exit does not by itself settle whether LIV Golf's proposed relaunch can proceed. For now, the confirmed news is that one of the original LIV recruits has chosen a different professional path.

Sources: Golf Monthly, October 23, 2026; The Citizen, October 23; Reuters on DP World Tour eligibility, October 12.

Photo: archive image of Branden Grace at the Qatar Masters; it does not depict his 2026 announcement. Photograph by Hanson K Joseph, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0. No editorial image modifications were made.