Southern Guards GC thrilled home fans in the opening round of LIV Golf South Africa, using crowd energy to post a combined 18-under and take a one-shot lead in the team standings. The all-South African lineup described the day as emotional and career-defining, with strong local support fueling their performance.
Individually, Crushers GC teammates Bryson DeChambeau and Charles Howell III lead after matching 8-under 63s, with DeChambeau finishing strongly and Howell recording a bogey-free round. Branden Grace led Southern Guards with a 64, while Charl Schwartzel and Dean Burmester also contributed solid scores.
The event marks LIV Golf’s debut in South Africa, a milestone driven by Louis Oosthuizen, with players praising the atmosphere and anticipating even bigger crowds as the tournament continues.