Thomas Pieters, once a millionaire LIV golfer and Dustin Johnson's teammate, is reportedly planning a glorious return to the DP World Tour in 2027. This news is sending shockwaves through the golf world, even if the ink on the contract isn't dry yet. The 34-year-old Belgian apparently wants out of the LIV circus and prefers to play full-time on the European greens again.
The Millions, 4Aces, and the Change of Course
Pieters joined LIV Golf in February 2023 for an estimated $10 million, initially playing for Bubba Watson's RangeGoats before signing with Dustin Johnson's 4Aces GC. However, plans for a 'LIV 2.0' seem to leave him cold; he clearly sees his future on the DP World Tour. Things will be different there starting in 2027: then it's 'all or nothing' – either DP World Tour or LIV, both won't be possible anymore.
LIV in Limbo, Stars at a Crossroads
Pieters isn't the only one contemplating a departure. Jon Rahm and David Puig have already left, and Abraham Ancer and Adrian Meronk are also being heavily discussed. The context? LIV's restructuring after Chapter 11. A US bankruptcy court has voided the contracts of 19 players, including superstar Dustin Johnson – paving the way for new deals, but not necessarily Johnson's automatic departure. LIV must gather enough player commits by the end of October 2026, or the whole operation is at risk.
For Pieters, the DP World Tour could be the ticket back to his former strength. Speculation is rife as LIV feverishly fights for its future. Pieters must register his DP World Tour membership by November 16 – a deadline that will determine his career from 2027 onwards.
