South Africa has etched its name into the global golfing record books, as LIV Golf South Africa 2026 officially became the highest-attended professional golf event in the country’s history.
More than 100,000 fans streamed through the gates at The Club at Steyn City over four days, creating an electric atmosphere that blended world-class golf with festival-style entertainment.
Hoë gaan dit my broer @elonmusk….kyk hierso 👇🏾. This is #SouthAfrica🇿🇦. https://t.co/7untmcLlqN
— Clayson Monyela (@ClaysonMonyela) March 22, 2026
The on-course action matched the scale of the occasion. Crushers GC edged out home favourites Southern Guards GC by a single stroke after a dramatic final round, denying the local side a fairytale victory on home soil.
Congratulations @brysondech, you are just one hellavu Gent @livgolf_league 🔥 pic.twitter.com/uGaxxn9y3L
— Gayton McKenzie (@GaytonMcK) March 22, 2026
South African star Dean Burmester delivered a standout performance, carding a final-round 66 to finish tied sixth, while Branden Grace secured a top-three finish. Captain Louis Oosthuizen and Charl Schwartzel also impressed, battling through pressure and injury to complete a memorable week for the home crowd.
Beyond the leaderboard, the event’s success was measured in its atmosphere, with capacity crowds, live music acts, and passionate local support turning the tournament into a spectacle unlike anything previously seen in South African golf.
🤯 GOOSEBUMPS
Even @BrandenGrace couldn’t believe the atmosphere on the 18th green#LIVGolfSouthAfrica @SouthernGuards pic.twitter.com/mIZCDZawEC
— LIV Golf (@livgolf_league) March 23, 2026
Emotional 🥹 – Paul Casey broke SA hearts but shed a tear to thank the fans for an incredible tournament 🇿🇦🦏🇿🇦 @livgolfleague #golf #livgolf #southernguardsgc pic.twitter.com/kcBapWW64h
— Southern Guards GC (@SouthernGuards) March 22, 2026
With momentum firmly established, organisers have confirmed the tournament will return to Steyn City from 22 to 25 April 2027, signalling that this record-breaking debut could mark the beginning of a long and impactful chapter for the sport in the country.
Scott O’Neil, LIV Golf CEO, said:
“Our return to South Africa in 2027 is a proud moment for LIV Golf. The success of this week’s inaugural event reaffirmed what we’ve long known — South Africa is home to a vibrant golf culture, world-class talent, and fans whose passion elevates the game. I want to thank Minister McKenzie, Southern Guards GC, Steyn City, and all our partners who brought this vision to life. LIV Golf South Africa has quickly established itself as a marquee event on our global schedule, delivering real economic impact and meaningful community engagement. The market has embraced LIV Golf with undeniable passion and will be a cornerstone for us for years to come.”
Gayton McKenzie, Minister for Sport, Arts and Culture, said:
“The success of LIV Golf South Africa this week is a powerful demonstration of what our country can deliver on the global stage. Hosting an event of this calibre not only showcases South Africa’s world-class sporting infrastructure but also highlights the strength of our tourism, hospitality, and creative industries. This is about more than golf; it’s about economic opportunity, job creation and inspiring the next generation of South African athletes. We are proud to welcome LIV Golf back to Steyn City in 2027 as we continue to position South Africa as a premier destination for international sport and entertainment.”
Richard Glover, Southern Guards GC General Manager, said:
“Seeing LIV Golf come to South Africa this week has been incredibly special for our team. The energy from the fans and the atmosphere at Steyn City have shown just how passionate this country is about world-class golf. As Southern Guards, having the opportunity to compete in front of a home crowd means a great deal to everyone involved with the team. It’s a proud moment to see LIV Golf establish South Africa as a key stop on the global schedule, and we’re excited to continue building that connection with fans when the event returns in 2027.”
🇿🇦President @CyrilRamaphosa arriving in Steyn City, Johannesburg, for the @LIV Golf International Tournament; the President is received by @SportArtsCultur Minister Gayton McKenzie and CEO of Liv Golf, Mr Scott O’Neil.#LIVGolf pic.twitter.com/xBuIgnL7EA
— The Presidency 🇿🇦 (@PresidencyZA) March 22, 2026
🏆 President @CyrilRamaphosa officiated the prizegiving ceremony presented the LIV Golf Individual Championship at the culmination of the first LIV Golf tournament to be staged on African soil.#LIVGolfSouthAfrica ⛳️ pic.twitter.com/dKNcky5Cyt
— The Presidency 🇿🇦 (@PresidencyZA) March 22, 2026
