Grace, a former South African Open champion and one of the country's most accomplished golfers, has announced that he will return to full-time competition on the DP World Tour next season. His decision follows that of Southern Guards captain and former Open champion Louis Oosthuizen, who recently confirmed that he would also be leaving LIV Golf.

The departures raise fresh questions about the future of the South African-based team, which has featured Grace, Oosthuizen, Charl Schwartzel and Dean Burmester.

Charl Schwartzel and Branden Grace - LIV Golf

For Grace, the move marks a return to familiar territory as he looks to reignite his career on a tour where he enjoyed some of his greatest successes.

The 38-year-old has nine European Tour titles to his name and boasts 15 professional victories worldwide, including two PGA Tour triumphs. His impressive CV includes victories at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, the Nedbank Golf Challenge, the Investec South African Open and the Alfred Dunhill Championship at Leopard Creek.

A former world number 10, Grace also holds a special place in golf history after carding a 62 in the third round of the 2017 Open Championship at Royal Birkdale. That remains the lowest single-round score recorded in men's major championship history.

Brande Grace - Sunshine Tour

Grace said returning to the DP World Tour felt like coming home, highlighting the special memories he had created while competing on the circuit.

“Returning to the DP World Tour feels like coming home,” said Grace. “Some of the proudest moments of my career have happened on this Tour, from my four-time win breakthrough season in 2012 to winning the Investec South African Open in front of home fans. I am hungrier than ever to compete and write the next chapter of my career on the global stage.”

While his LIV Golf experience is coming to an end, Grace stressed that the friendships and team spirit forged during his time in the league would remain an important part of his journey.

Competing alongside fellow South Africans Oosthuizen, Schwartzel and Burmester allowed the players to share the international stage while representing their country in a different team-based format.

“My time on the LIV Tour was a memorable chapter, especially getting to travel the world and compete alongside some of my closest friends in the game. The camaraderie, team spirit, and lifelong friendships we shared on and off the course are memories I will always cherish as I take this next step in my journey.”

Grace's return will add considerable experience and quality to the DP World Tour, where he established himself as one of South Africa's leading golfing exports.

Dean Burmester, Louis Oosthuizen, Branden Grace and Charl Schwartzel at Leopard Creek - Sunshine Tour

His international credentials also include an outstanding contribution to the International Team at the 2015 Presidents Cup, where he finished with a perfect five wins from five matches.

With Grace and Oosthuizen now heading for the exit, the Southern Guards face an uncertain period as the South African contingent in LIV Golf undergoes a significant shake-up.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport