LIV Golf South Africa: Record crowds and DeChambeau magic at Steyn City

LIV Golf South Africa turned out to be a huge success and highlighted the strong interest in golf and the quality of the game in our country. Unfortunately, I couldn’t attend this event as I am in the Middle East with airspace still closed on my side; I did, however, attend LIV in 2025 at Riyadh.

LIV Golf is a Saudi-backed golf tour with a limited number of players. It has become the modern era of golf as it has music and lighting set up with a more stadium and party feel, while a high-stakes golf tournament still takes place.

It is played in two categories with an individual competition where the winner pockets a $4 million (about R76 million) cheque and a team competition with four players. While it may have started as a tour not really showing any potential, it proved otherwise in South Africa this past week.

With record attendances and being named the best event in Africa, crowds in excess of 100 000 flocked to Steyn City. The golf didn’t disappoint either. Big names Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau brought it to a play-off, where DeChambeau won in electric style – hitting a 3-wood from a wet lie and putting for an eagle to clinch the title.

While many have mixed opinions of this format and way of golf, it’s become something the entire family can enjoy. These tournaments are great ideas for golfers wanting to host golf days and draw great numbers for their events; it brings a different feel and enjoyment to the game.

Bringing a brand to South Africa and seeing it grow is what we witnessed this past week. The event gained worldwide attention with a spectacular run. The event for next year has already been confirmed and, with the great scenes we saw this week, we might be seeing the US PGA change their views and join in with the LIV Golf tour.

Well done, South Africa! Catch you on the fairways!