Additional Coverage:
- LIV Golf star ‘going to upset people’ with controversial claim as politician weighs in (themirror.com)
LIV Golf South Africa Declared League’s New Gold Standard, Sparking Friendly Rivalry with Australia
JOHANNESBURG – The controversial LIV Golf circuit made its highly anticipated debut in South Africa this past week, and according to at least one prominent player, it’s already set a new benchmark for the upstart league. Paul Casey, a veteran of the sport, boldly declared the South African event superior to all previous tournaments, including the fan-favorite Adelaide stop in Australia.
The tournament, held at Steyn City near Johannesburg, drew an astounding 90,000 fans, creating a vibrant atmosphere that culminated in a thrilling playoff victory for Bryson DeChambeau over Jon Rahm. DeChambeau’s emotional win, following personal struggles, added another layer of drama to an already electric weekend.
Until now, LIV Golf Adelaide had been considered the league’s flagship event, celebrated for its passionate crowds and the fervent support for the home team, Southern Guards. However, the South African spectacle, both on and off the course, appears to have eclipsed its predecessor. DeChambeau’s Crushers ultimately triumphed over the Southern Guards quartet of Charl Schwartzel, Louis Oosthuizen, Dean Burmester, and Branden Grace in the team competition.
Casey, a member of DeChambeau’s winning team, didn’t mince words when praising the event. “I think everybody in SA should be so proud of what they’ve achieved here,” Casey stated.
“I’m going to go on record, and this is going to upset a few people. I think this is the best LIV event.
This is better than Australia, in Adelaide.” He added, “They’re going to raise the bar now down in Oz.
But Charl, Louis, Burmy, and Gracey should be so proud. They brought this here, but the fans turned up and made it what it is.
Thank you, everybody.”
Given the long-standing sporting rivalry between Australia and South Africa in rugby, cricket, and now golf, Casey’s comments are sure to ignite some playful banter Down Under.
His sentiments were quickly echoed by South Africa’s sports minister, Gayton McKenzie, who not only confirmed LIV Golf’s return to the country next year, from April 22-25, but also took a good-natured jab at Adelaide. “This is becoming the headquarters of LIV Golf, Adelaide,” McKenzie quipped, challenging, “You’d better make sure we’re going to sell 250,000 tickets next year.” He further declared South Africa as LIV Golf’s permanent home, stating, “LIV Golf is never leaving this continent again, which means we’re going to be here 2027, 2028, 2029, 20-forever.”
While South Africa is no stranger to high-level golf, with numerous DP World Tour visits annually, this LIV Golf event brought the strongest field the nation has seen in years. Despite the league’s ongoing struggle for mainstream acceptance in the United States, its captivating product has clearly found a passionate and vocal audience in South Africa.