By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Saudi-funded tournament LIV Golf announced on Saturday that South Africa is set to host the first-ever LIV Golf tournament.
The tournament will be held at Steyn City in Johannesburg, Gauteng between March 20-22 next year.
The Club at Steyn City, located just north of Johannesburg, is known globally for its prestigious championship golf course designed by Nicklaus Design. With sweeping fairways, dramatic scenery, and a legacy of hosting professional tournaments, the course will provide the perfect setting for LIV Golf’s debut in Africa and an exciting venue for broadcasters to showcase around the world.
The tournament will spotlight Stinger GC, the league’s all-South African team, captained by 2010 Open Champion Louis Oosthuizen and featuring fellow countrymen Dean Burmester, Branden Grace, and 2011 Masters Champion, Charl Schwartzel.
The team is expected to enjoy strong home support in March, as they compete for both individual and team titles in a field of 54 of the world’s best players across three days in front of passionate local fans.
In addition to home team Stinger GC, they’ll be joined by a host of international stars including current 2025 season points leader Joaquin Niemann (Torque GC), Bryson DeChambeau (Crushers GC), Brooks Koepka (Smash GC), Phil Mickelson (HyFlyers GC), Jon Rahm (Legion XIII), Sergio Garcia (Fireballs GC), Cam Smith (Ripper GC), Dustin Johnson (4Aces GC), and many more.
The LIV Golf field is comprised of 18 major champions with a combined 28 major championships, bringing many of the sport’s biggest stars to South Africa.
“It’s an incredible feeling, I have so many emotions,” said minister of sport Gayton McKenzie at the announcement on Saturday.
“I come from a great country and this would not have been possible without LIV Golf. They know they cannot be called an international competition if they skip a continent.
“I want to tell South Africans this is good for our economy and for people spreading false rumours about our country.
“We’re going to have 54 of the world’s greatest golfers in our country.”
Ross Hallett, LIV Golf Executive Vice President, Head of Events said, “Bringing LIV Golf to South Africa is another significant moment in our journey. The country has a proud sporting heritage with passionate fans and world-class talent, and Steyn City will be an incredible host venue to celebrate this next chapter.
“We currently have events in Asia, Europe, Australasia, North America and today we add Africa, marking another exciting opportunity to showcase LIV Golf to a new audience and market.
“Our league is committed to driving the sport forward through competition, an innovative format, new investment opportunities, and collaborative partnerships that support progress throughout the communities we serve.
“We are incredibly grateful to have the support of the South African Government and especially the Minister for Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie. Together, I know we will deliver a truly unforgettable experience to fans in Johannesburg, drive economic impact and tourism in the region, and showcase all that South Africa has to offer.”
Oosthuizen, Captain of Stinger GC said, “It’s always special to compete at home, and I’m incredibly proud to bring LIV Golf to South Africa for the first time. For Branden, Charl, Dean and I to play in front of our fans, friends, and families will be an unforgettable experience.
“South African sports fans love their golf, and I am sure they will turn out in large numbers to support Stinger GC. South Africa has given so much to us, and now we get to give something back.”
Steven Louw, CEO of Steyn City Properties said, “We are enormously proud to showcase Johannesburg and South Africa on the global stage, with our world-class lifestyle estate and golf course as shining examples of local excellence.
“We look forward to partnering with LIV Golf, Gauteng government and other stakeholders to share our country’s exceptional golfing experience with the world, and to play a role in advancing the sport we are so passionate about.”