By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
LIV Golf is in South Africa for the first time this week when the fifth tournament of the season takes place at Steyn City Golf Club from Thursday to Sunday.
More than 92,000 people are expected for the circuit’s debut on the continent, a LIV crowd only bettered by the 115,000 that was in Adelaide.
For the home Southern Guards GC team of Louis Oosthuizen, Charl Schwartzel, Branden Grace and Dean Burmester, it represents a first chance to play in front of some of the most passionate fans around.
“We do have a sport-hungry culture,” Burmester said. “We have a saying down here ‘back your boys’, and that’s what we do. Whenever the Springboks are playing we’re 120 per cent behind them, whenever Bafana Bafana [national team] are playing soccer, 120 per cent behind them.”
“Everyone’s up watching our athletes all over the world and it’s nice to know that as golfers we can be part of that conversation.”
The Major winners, and big-name stars, in action this week, besides Oosthuizen and Schwatzel, are Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm, Cameron Smith, Dustin Johnson, Martin Kaymer, Sergio Garcia, Bubba Watson, and Graeme McDowell. Phil Mickelson, a seven-time Major winner, may not play again this weekend, due to family reasons.
“I’m excited. I’ve never been (to South Africa) before, and that’s one of the aspects of LIV Golf that I really love,” Rahm said.
“South Africans are incredibly passionate about sport, especially rugby and cricket, but they’re no strangers to golf either. I think it’s going to be a lot of fun and rowdy. I have seen some pictures of the course and it looks beautiful. After seeing the build, I think I know which hole the party hole will be like the one in Australia.”
Rahm, who has started the season strongly and recently finished second in a LIV Golf event, said playing on African soil has long been something he wanted to experience.
The tournament used to be played over 54 holes (three rounds and the meaning behind LIV – in Roman numerals), but is now played over four rounds and 72 holes.