Louis Oosthuizen emphasises enjoyment and hosting responsibilities over pressure as LIV Golf arrives in South Africa, highlighting the significance of bringing the tournament to home soil with his Southern Guards GC team. Seen here: (l-r) Charl Schwartzel, Dean Burmester, Louis Oosthuizen, Branden Grace. Picture: LIV Golf
Image: LIV Golf
Louis Oosthuizen is not putting himself or any of his Southern Guards GC teammates under any extra pressure as LIV Golf comes to South Africa for this first time this week.
The tournament begins at The Club at Steyn City, in the exclusive, sprawling estate in Johannesburg, on Thursday.
The SG GC team, made up of Oosthuizen and compatriots Charl Schwartzel, Branden Grace, and Dean Burmester, will be the crowd favourites in the Saudi-funded event.
In fact, only Burmester and Schwartzel know the course relatively well, as Oosthuizen and Grace have not had the chance to play the course much beforehand.
“Us four would love to play well, but I think the bigger picture is getting the tournament here,” said Oosthuizen.
“The bigger picture for me is that the four of us really want to enjoy this week, what everyone has done, our team behind the scenes, the LIV guys, and everyone that was involved. What we’ve done in achieving this tournament this year is a massive goal of ours.
“I know when we step on the golf course, it will be all down to business, and we want to play well. But to be honest with you, I just want to enjoy this week. I want to take everything in.”
Since the SG GC are effectively players hosting this week, it will mean more off-course commitments, but that’s not a burden, as Oosthuizen explains.
“There are a few more things you have to do off the golf course [with the tournament on home soil], a little bit more than a normal event, but I think this week we’re happy to do it.
“Just to make sure that the fans and everyone here, players, caddies, everyone, has a great experience of our beautiful country, and that’s the main goal for the week.”