LIV Golf Africa: DeChambeau, Howell III Lead Thrilling Opener
Bryson DeChambeau and Charles Howell III tied for lead at LIV Golf South Africa, with local favorites Southern Guards topping team event. Golf's biggest stars in action at Steyn City.
LIV Golf makes historic debut in Africa, with South Africa's own team Southern Guards leading the charge...
LIV Golf's debut in Africa got off to an electrifying start, with Bryson DeChambeau and Charles Howell III sharing the individual lead at eight under-par after the opening round at Steyn City in Johannesburg. The home crowd was treated to an emotional day as the South African team, the Southern Guards, took the team lead at 18 under-par.
The Southern Guards, comprising Louis Oosthuizen, Charl Schwartzel, Dean Burmester, and Branden Grace, were visibly moved by the support, with some players shedding tears of joy. “I almost had tears in my eyes. It was a really proud moment,” Schwartzel said, describing the electric atmosphere.
South Africa is set to make golf history as LIV Golf makes its debut on African soil, bringing together some of the sport's biggest stars. The tournament, held at Steyn City in Johannesburg from March 19-22, has generated massive interest, with around 100,000 tickets expected to be sold over the four days.
The event boasts a star-studded field, featuring multiple Major winners and top-ranked players, with a total prize purse of $30 million, making it one of the richest golf tournaments in South Africa's history. The Southern Guards, South Africa's own team, is led by Louis Oosthuizen and includes Charl Schwartzel, Dean Burmester, and Branden Grace, who are all looking to make a mark in front of their home crowd.
South African Charl Schwartzel said. “I've played Presidents Cups, I've teed off in front of Presidents in New York, and that first tee gave me goosebumps.
“I almost had tears in my eyes. It was a really proud moment.”
Charles Howell III was on fire, carding eight birdies to lead the way, while Bryson DeChambeau managed nine birdies but dropped a shot on the par-three eighth, leaving him tied with Howell III at eight under-par. Local favorite Branden Grace is just a shot back, tied for third with Sergio Garcia on six under-par, after a solid 64 on the par-71 Jack Nicklaus-designed course.
.@RickShielsPGA gave the boys a day to remember 💪
— LIV Golf (@livgolf_league) March 19, 2026
Welcome to The Lion’s Den 🦁#LIVGolfSouthAfrica pic.twitter.com/8LwXMrg542
“It's amazing,” Grace said. “This is what we hoped for. I feel South Africa has been hungry for a big golf event like this and this experience.”
The Southern Guards are topping the team event, led by solid performances from Branden Grace, Charl Schwartzel (66), Dean Burmester (67), and captain Louis Oosthuizen (69). The team's combined score has them out in front, sparking emotional scenes among the players.
📣 UPDATE: Friday’s shotgun start has moved to 10:05 AM (local time)
— LIV Golf (@livgolf_league) March 19, 2026
⬇️ See full updated timings below#LIVGolfSouthAfrica pic.twitter.com/RDazm7DuGQ
Burmester couldn't hold back tears on a day he'll cherish forever, a testament to the electric atmosphere at Steyn City. The home crowd is going wild, and the South African team is soaking it all in.
“It's probably the pinnacle of my career, honestly,” he said. “This is probably the greatest day I've had on the golf course, the most fun, the most backing I've ever had.
“I've played all over the world and I've never felt this kind of emotion and this electricity ”
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