• LIV Golf South Africa’s debut has exceeded expectations after over 100 000 spectators turned up to Steyn City to watch the four-day event.
• Steyn City will once again host next year’s edition, with a new date set for 22-25 April.
• Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie expresses hope that Steyn City can expand its capacity next year as the league aims to establish a lasting presence on the continent.
• For more, visit News24’s golf section.

After the staggering success of the inaugural LIV Golf South Africa event, organisers confirmed its return and a date change for the 2027 edition.

LIV Golf announced on Sunday that the second tournament will take place from 22-25 April 2027 and will once again be hosted at The Club at Steyn City.

This continues the LIV’s multi-year commitment to expanding its league to the African continent.

LIVE | LIV Golf South Africa at Steyn City

This past weekend, over 100 000 fans came through the turnstiles at Steyn City for the four-day event, marking it the highest-attended professional golf event in South African history.

LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil appeared deeply moved before Sunday’s final round as he was joined by Minister of Sport, Art and Culture Gayton McKenzie, Southern Guards GC General Manager Richard Glover and Steyn City Properties CEO, Steven Louw.

O’Neil’s voice cracked as he spoke about the warm reception and and how the South African audience has embraced the league, which has elevated the league to become the premier golf tournament in South Africa, surpassing the prestigious Nedbank Golf Challenge, often referred to as Africa’s Major.

“South Africa, maybe more than anyplace on the planet, understands the power and impact of sport. Sport absolutely brings people together,” O’Neil told reporters.

“There have been more than a few moments that have brought me to the brink of tears, and they’re tears of love, joy and appreciation for something special. Like, this is a moment, but it’s just the beginning.

“When you have dreamers like our Southern Guards, led by Richard Glover, and you have doers like the incredible team at LIV, Chris Bentley, Ross Hallett, Chris Heck... I know it takes a village to pull off the biggest golf event on this continent.

“Sitting on 18th green yesterday, as Dean (Burmester) and (Branden) Gracey come through, those are moments I will never forget... This is what sport is about. This is what LIV Golf is about.

“Our sponsors have been incredible. But whoa, this is about the fans. It was Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday and will be forever, and we look forward to being here a very long time.”

McKenzie, who gave out Southern Guards caps on the first tee, challenged organisers to expand capacity dramatically, targeting up to 250 000 spectators.

The South African tournament is projected to generate over R740 million in economic activity for South Africa through tourism, hospitality, taxation and international exposure.

“LIV Golf is never leaving this continent again,” said the animated McKenzie with a broad smile.

“This is about more than golf, it’s about economic opportunity, job creation and inspiring the next generation of South African athletes... this is about our country. What LIV Golf has done, they’ve showcased our country like nothing I’ve ever seen.

“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.”

It’s been an emotional week for the all-South African team, the Southern Guards, who not only faced several media obligations, but found themselves in contention in both the individual and team standings.

Glover, who leads the Southern Guards, stated that their team was blown away from the overall support from fans inside Steyn City and across the country.

“I think it’s way beyond our wildest expectations. It actually feels like a bit of a fairy-tale,” said Glover.

“It’s been an incredibly emotional week for the players. Every one of them has said to me, this is one of the best weeks of their life.

“All of them have had tears on the first tee, as Scott has said, and they’ve just been blown away by the South African support. But what they asked me to say to everyone out there, is just a big thank you from the Southern Guards.

“No one does sport like South African fans, so the boys really feel it and they really want all the fans to get behind them today and hopefully drive them to victory.”

South African fans were treated to world-class facilities, activations and musicians as renowned Scottish DJ and record producer Calvin Harris, Black Coffee and Goldfish to entertain spectators throughout the four-day event.

Louw, who heads the luxury Steyn City estate, explained that they’ll try and find a way to fit over 200 000 people inside and around the Jack Nicklaus-designed course.

“I think it’s been an absolute privilege to be involved in this. LIV are such an incredible, professional outfit. I think we share a vision for what golf can be for the fans in South Africa,” said Louw.

“We’re very fortunate that we have the kind of venue that can deliver on that.

“Minister, we’re going to have to do the sums and see whether 250 000 is possible. We might need a few more bridges and a little bit of infrastructure, but it has been incredible.”

Tickets for next year’s LIV Golf South Africa are already available on their website.