Southern Guards GC leads LIV Golf SA at Steyn City with a 19-under score, highlighted by Branden Grace’s 64, amidst an electrifying atmosphere and emotional performances from Charl Schwartzel and Dean Burmester. Picture: LIV Golf
Image: LIV Golf
The SA team, Southern Guards GC (SGGC), set the pace on day one of LIV Golf South Africa with a score of 19 under at The Club at Steyn City on Thursday.
Louis Oosthuizen (69), Charl Schwartzel (66), Dean Burmester (67), and Branden Grace (64) combined to outscore Smash GC by a stroke in the opening round on the par 71 layout. In the individual competition, American Charles Howell III led the way with an eight-under 63 alongside countryman Bryson DeChambeau. One stroke adrift on seven under was Grace and Spain’s Sergio Garcia.
With hordes of fans making their way into Steyn City, it was an electric atmosphere on the course not usually associated with the sport in South Africa.
Speaking after the round, 2011 Masters champion Schwartzel waxed lyrical about his experience.
“That was one of the best experiences I’ve had on the golf course. I nearly had tears in my eyes on the first tee today,” said Schwartzel.
The former world number six, however, nearly didn’t tee it up as he revealed after his round. He was seen during the day wincing in pain after he struck shots, as his back appeared to be going into spasm.
Schwartzel said that he phoned team captain Oosthuizen on Wednesday evening to say he needed to pull out. Whatever Oosthuizen said, though, seemed to do the trick as Schwartzel was at the course at 6 a.m. on Thursday “doing everything I could to be ready for the round, including hot baths and acupuncture.”
Whether Schwartzel will make it through all four rounds, though, remains to be seen.
Meanwhile, Burmester said it would be a day he would never forget.
“This is the greatest day I’ve ever had on a golf course. I’ve never felt this kind of emotion and electricity on the course. It was a special, emotional day.”