LIV Golf announces Branden Grace's return for 2025 season despite relegation

LIV Golf's Stinger GC team announced on Wednesday, January 8, the re-signing of Branden Grace to its roster for the 2025 season. The Louis Oosthuizen-led team made the decision despite Grace's relegation due to poor results in 2024.

In announcing the news, Oosthuizen called Branden Grace an "integral part" of the team. He also explained that the decision took into account Grace's importance in strengthening the team's brand.

This was part of what Louis Oosthuizen said (via LIV Golf News Service):

"We’re thrilled to have Branden back with Stinger GC. He is an integral part of our team, both on and off the course. While 2024 was a tough year for him, we must not overlook his consistent performances in the two previous seasons."

He added:

"His return was also supported by a strong business case. We are looking to grow the Stinger GC brand and commercial presence in South Africa, and his profile and popularity, in the country, will help us to achieve that."

Meanwhile, Branden Grace said he was "delighted" to be returning to the All South Africans Stinger GC team:

"I am delighted to be back with Stinger GC. 2024 was a challenging year for me - I was playing with a wrist injury during the early part of the season and struggled to gain any momentum from there."

He added:

"My form improved during the later stages of the campaign and my game is tracking in the right direction. I feel confident that I can carry that through into 2025."

A day earlier, LIV Golf confirmed the return of fellow relegated Bubba Watson as a team player at RangeGoats GC. This means that two of the four full-time players relegated in 2024 will return in 2025 via direct hire.

Branden Grace's 2024 season at a glance

Branden Grace, LIV Golf Las Vegas (Image via Imagn).

Branden Grace played in every single LIV Golf event in the 2024 season. His best finish was a tie for 15th in Jeddah.

Here's a look at his 2024 season:

• Mayakoba 49
• Las Vegas T21
• Jeddah T15
• Hong Kong T45
• Miami T32
• Adelaide T40
• Singapore T32
• Houston 52
• Nashville T35
• Andalucía T38
• United Kingdom 51
• Greenbrier T20
• Chicago T34

Grace also played in the Team Championship with Stinger GC. In the quarterfinals, he won his singles match against Adrian Meronk to take his team to the semi-finals.

The South Africans lost to 4Aces GC in the second round, with Grace losing his singles match to Patrick Reed. They led Tier 2 on the final day and finished in 5th place overall.

Grace has played at LIV Golf since the inaugural season in 2022. He finished second in the individual standings that year and ninth in 2023. His best finish was winning the Portland event in 2022.