Captain Bryson DeChambeau of Crushers GC celebrates after his putt on the 18th green during the final round of LIV Golf South Africa.

• Nine-time Major champion Gary Player has reacted to the record-breaking LIV Golf South Africa tournament this past weekend.
• Over 100 000 fans gathered over the four-day spectacle to watch the Southern Guards and witness American Bryson deChambeau go back-to-back on the LIV tour.
• Once a vocal critic of LIV Golf, Player offered high praise for the breakaway league’s debut event at Steyn City.
  
• For more, visit News24’s golf section.

Nine-time Major champion Gary Player has spoken out, commending over 100 000 fans for their support as LIV Golf South Africa made a record-breaking debut, capturing the spotlight in the golf world this past weekend.

The first LIV event on African soil captured the attention of the sporting world, as thousands of South African fans, eager and deprived of world-class golf, turned out in droves to support the breakaway league.

The raucous crowd had plenty to cheer, with Branden Grace, Dean Burmester and Southern Guards in contention for the title before Bryson deChambeau and Jon Rahm pulled away in the final holes.

READ | LIV SA gives Major atmosphere: Nine takeaways from epic Steyn City debut

DeChambeau went back-to-back on the LIV Golf circuit, defeating Rahm in an exciting playoff in the pouring rain at Steyn City as thousands gathered to watch the American favourite lift his fifth LIV title.

The Sunshine Tour and South Africa continue to be vital markets for the DP World Tour, hosting the Nedbank Golf Challenge (dubbed Africa’s Major), co-sanctioning the Alfred Dunhill Championship, Joburg Open and South African Open.

However, LIV’s debut marked the first time in years that numerous top global stars competed in the country.

Player, renowned as the first international golfer to achieve the Major Grand Slam, was initially a vocal critic of the Saudi-backed LIV Golf since its launch in 2022.

However, his stance has softened after the league transitioned from 54 to 72 holes and the Official World Golf Rankings began awarding points to the Top 10 finishers in each LIV tournament.

Player took to social media to congratulate eventual winner DeChambeau and South Africa put on a world-class event.

“Many congratulations to Bryson DeChambeau on a magnificent and thrilling victory here in South Africa! What a spectacle for the game of golf,” wrote Player on Twitter.

“To watch two of the world’s finest competitors going head-to-head in a playoff is exactly the kind of drama that lifts our sport and captivates fans at the course and around the globe.”

Player, renowned as a global golfer with over 160 tournament victories spanning six continents, was thrilled to see South Africa’s rich golf culture showcased, as a diverse crowd gathered to watch the elite 57-man field.

“I must say, it fills my heart with tremendous pride to see South Africa hosting such a world-class event,” continued Player.

“This is a nation with a deep love for the game, a country that has produced champions, and a place where the spirit of golf runs strong.

“To showcase our beautiful land, our passionate supporters, and our rich golfing heritage on the world stage is something truly special.”

READ | Gutted Southern Guards vow redemption after LIV Golf SA heartbreak: ‘We threw everything at it’

Player praised the all-South African Southern Guards, led by captain Louis Oosthuizen and featuring teammates Grace, Burmester, and Charl Schwartzel as they finished runner-up to the Crushers GC for the team title.

The 90-year-old Player also mentioned the DP World Tour’s invitational tournament in Sun City, the Nedbank Golf Challenge, which is hosted by Player at his namesake golf course.

“I was also delighted to see the Southern Guards perform so admirably, coming so close to securing the team title. They represented themselves, and South Africa, with great distinction,” ended Player.

“Just as the Nedbank Golf Challenge does, I have no doubt this event will also help inspire the next generation of young South Africans to pick up a club and dream big.”

LIV Golf is returning to South Africa and set to be held from 22-25 April 2027, and as per reports, tickets are already selling fast.