Pieters leaves LIV Golf for DP World Tour

Thomas Pieters, a 34-year-old Belgian golfer, has decided not to continue with LIV Golf in 2027, opting instead to return to the DP World Tour on a full-time basis. Pieters, who was a member of Dustin Johnson's 4Aces team, made this decision despite expressing optimism about the future of LIV Golf as recently as July.

Defection adds to LIV Golf's challenges

His decision marks another defection for the breakaway circuit, which has already seen the departure of several key figures. Pieters' change of heart reportedly came within three months of his previous statements. He will not participate in the LIV Golf 2.0 project and plans to compete in a full schedule on the DP World Tour in 2027.

Contrast with earlier statements

This choice contrasts with his earlier statements, in which he expressed confidence in LIV Golf's future while stating he was ready to play on the European Tour's courses if necessary. Pieters, a former Ryder Cup player, had spent four seasons on the LIV Golf circuit since joining in 2023. During that time, he would have earned more than $25 million in sports winnings.

Career highlights before LIV Golf

In the last two seasons, he played for the 4Aces team alongside Dustin Johnson. Before joining LIV Golf, Pieters had won six tournaments on the DP World Tour, including the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in January 2022. He also distinguished himself during the 2016 Ryder Cup at Hazeltine, where he secured four wins in five matches despite the European team's loss.

LIV Golf loses more players

Pieters' decision comes as LIV Golf faces challenges in preparing for its relaunch without the financial support of the Saudi sovereign wealth fund (PIF). Other notable players reported to be leaving the circuit include Jon Rahm, Sergio Garcia, Abraham Ancer, David Puig, and Adrian Meronk.