LIV Golf South Africa has already been declared a massive success thanks to record crowds at Steyn City, emotional performances from local stars like Louis Oosthuizen and Charl Schwartzel, and a dominant opening round by Southern Guards GC, proving a win for the country regardless of Sunday’s result. Picture: LIV Golf
Image: LIV Golf
It’s fair to say that even before the first champion of the LIV Golf SA event is crowned on Sunday, the tournament has been a resounding success.
The crowds at The Club at Steyn City have been unprecedented, with over 90,000 expected to come through the gates at the exclusive estate over the four days.
Not even severe back spasms could keep Charl Schwartzel from playing in his home event, as he could be seen wincing in pain after hitting shots late in the first round.
It was clearly an emotional time for the SA players in the Southern Guards, as team captain Louis Oosthuizen said he was fighting back tears on his first hole on day one.
Dean Burmester and Branden Grace echoed the sentiments of their skipper.
“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,” said Burmester after round one.
In fact, before the tournament even started, Oosthuizen said South Africa had already won by securing the right to host the event.
“We 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.”
With concerts happening every evening after the day’s play and hordes of food stalls and plenty of different kinds of golf-themed entertainment, there’s plenty for everyone to enjoy.
The SA team, Southern Guards GC (SGGC), set the pace on day one of LIV Golf South Africa with a score of 19 under.
Oosthuizen (69), Schwartzel (66), Burmester (67), and 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 García.