Louis Oosthuizen contemplated retirement before joining LIV Golf
Louis Oosthuizen (2nd from left), who nearly retired from golf five years ago, found renewed passion and motivation by joining LIV Golf, drawn by its innovative format and significant financial incentives, allowing him to continue competing at the highest level at age 43. Seen here: (l-r) Branden Grace, Louis Oosthuizen, Dean Burmester, Charl Schwartzel. Picture: Southern Guards GC
Image: Southern Guards GC
It came as quite a shock as Louis Oosthuizen revealed on Wednesday that he was close to giving up the game of golf five years ago.
Then came LIV Golf and the opportunity to be a part of a new format, and though he didn’t say it, there was also an incredible financial incentive.
LIV Golf generally gives big-name players like Oosthuizen signing bonuses when they join the PIF Saudi-funded breakaway tour. An individual win for any LIV Golf event also translates to just under a staggering R80 million.
That’s also in limited-field events where there is no cut, meaning a paycheque is always guaranteed.
Louis Oosthuizen’s Journey: From Major Contender to Rediscovering Passion for Golf
Since Oosthuizen won the 2010 Open Championship, he had been South Africa’s perennial contender in major championships, which included six runner-up finishes since that maiden victory. Still, as good as Oosthuizen was, he never won a PGA Tour event, even on US soil, and the grind eventually got to him.
In fact, 2021 was a year of near misses for Oosthuizen. He finished second at the PGA Championship and the US Open and went on to end third at The Open Championship. Though he didn’t admit it specifically, those close calls clearly weighed on him.
“Oh, for sure. I was ready to call it a day. I was very close to it, back in 21 actually, after 21,” said Oosthuizen.
“And then, being part of something special like being part of the South African team and the Southern Guards now and having these three guys next to me, definitely it gave me a little bit more of a push towards pushing myself a little bit and just playing and sort of started getting that love for the game back a little bit. “I think I lost it along the last few years back on the PGA Tour and I’m really enjoying the golf and I’m enjoying being part of the team and having fun playing.”
Louis Oosthuizen at 43: Still Driven to Compete at the Highest Level
Now aged 43, Oosthuizen said he still has that drive to keep competing at the highest level.
“While I'm still half decent and I can shoot under par and I'm still having fun, I'll probably be playing.”
“But I'll always say if I tee it up and feel like I'm just there to fill a team or not really think that I can win the event, then I'll probably call it quits.
“But I'm not there yet. So I'm still having lots of fun and I think there are a few more good rounds in me.”