Crushers GC team: From left, Charles Howell III, Bryson DeChambeau, Anirban Lahiri and Paul Casey
LIV Golf achieved a notable milestone hosting its inaugural tournament in Africa at Steyn City, South Africa.
Initial apprehensions from organizers about the viability of attracting a solid attendance in South Africa’s golf community were proved wrong when 100,000 spectators attended from March 19 to 22, creating a vibrant atmosphere.
Pleased with the turnout, the organizers announced plans to return to Steyn City from April 22 to 25 in 2027.
The tournament featured both individual and team play, showcasing local favorites Southern Guards GC captained by Louis Oosthuizen, who played alongside Branden Grace, Dean Burmester, and Charl Schwartzel, as they faced off with Crushers GC, led by Bryson DeChambeau and including Anirban Lahiri, Paul Casey, and Charles Howell III.
Fashion was also on display as attendees appeared in stylish golf attire, ready for a sunny day despite the sporadic rain.
Throughout the competition, Southern Guards GC and Crushers GC remained closely matched, with DeChambeau’s team facing a strong challenge from the local favorites.
The South African audience warmed up to DeChambeau, praising his spirited play and eagerness to interact with fans for autographs. Competitors like Spanish golfer Jon Rahm and Australian Cameron Smith added to the lively atmosphere, turning the calm greens of Steyn City into an event filled with excitement.
A memorable highlight unfolded on the 18th hole, where DeChambeau prepared for a challenging shot to force a playoff against Rahm. In an unexpected moment, the crowd began singing the national anthem, Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika. Rather than being distracted, DeChambeau took a moment to appreciate the scene, a gesture that quickly gained attention online.
In a sport typically defined by quiet concentration, the lively ambiance felt refreshingly different.
DeChambeau ultimately triumphed in the playoff against Rahm, securing the individual title and leading Crushers GC to victory, with Southern Guards GC finishing closely behind.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, who is known for his passion for golf, was present to award the individual trophy to DeChambeau.
In an emotional moment, DeChambeau spoke of personal struggles and the impactful presence of his late father, Jon DeChambeau, who passed away in November 2022 after a lengthy illness.
“It’s been a tough few weeks. It’s not always sunshine and rainbows. But I can tell you that having these three great people up here and my caddie and the team around me really helped me persevere through tough moments,” he noted.
He shared his insights gained from the tournament: “Golf is a fickle game. You work so hard at it your whole life and then you realize golf is just golf.
“There’s a lot more to life than just golf. I was just praying all day — praying to God to give me the perseverance to move forward and keep looking forward.”
Recalling a defining moment from his childhood when he attended a charity golf event with his father, DeChambeau recounted meeting golfing legends like Arnold Palmer, Annika Sörenstam, and Nancy Lopez, who left a lasting impact on him.
“It was the most nerve-racking moment in my entire life as an 11-year-old. I remember my dad took me out there. Peter Jacobsen was giving me a hard time from the side and the whole crowd was watching.
“My hands went numb. I hit three drives right down the middle anyway. You could lay a blanket over them at that time. And I remember walking off, and Arnold Palmer, Annika Sörenstam, Nancy Lopez, all of them, signed my hat and all said the same thing: ‘We’ll see you out there one day.’
“That’s why I do it. Because I hope to inspire somebody like that. I never forgot it. To have those legends say that to a kid … it changed everything for me.”
Finally, he addressed the record-setting crowd: “I’ve just got to say I love everybody. Thank you for your support. South Africa was unbelievable. I mean, it got to be the best LIV event we’ve ever had.”
