Branden Grace has been handed the ultimate olive branch by Stinger GC, who have brought the South African back to the LIV Golf roster despite his relegation.

Grace was one of five players relegated alongside Bubba Watson, Kalle Samooja, and the Vincent brothers Scott and Kieran following the end of the 2024 season. It appeared his time with the LIV setup was over, with his only chance of making a comeback via the league’s Promotions event in December.

And despite putting in an impressive performance at the 72-hole qualifier, Grace ultimately fell short at the one promotion spot, finishing two shots behind eventual winner Lee Chieh-po.

Despite missing out, Grace will now get the chance to return to the LIV roster for 2025 after being re-signed by Stinger, teaming him back up with Louis Oosthuizen, Dean Burmester, and Charl Scwhartzel. It will have come as a surprise to many following Grace’s dumping in September.

Unsurprisingly, Grace is a happy man when it comes to his return and is hoping he can turn his fortunes around in 2025. The South African said: “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.

“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.” The man behind the decision was Stinger GC captain Oosthuizen, who is clearly pleased to have his countryman back on board.

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Branden Grace (RSA) walks with caddie to his approach shot on 10 during the first round of the LIV Golf Houston tournament

Branden Grace was relegated in 2024 ( 

Image:

Getty Images)

“We’re thrilled to have Branden back with Stinger GC,” Oosthuizen said. “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. 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.” Grace already has a LIV Golf victory to his name, having won LIV Portland in the league’s maiden season in 2022.

He will no doubt be hoping that re-finding his form in 2025 will come with more success, and this is clearly the 36-year-old’s target for Stinger in this campaign. “Louis, Charl, Dean, and I have a special bond, and it has been a great experience to be part of Stinger GC. The team has some big plans for 2025 and beyond and I am excited to be part of that,” he said.