Bryson DeChambeau & LIV Golf Draw Massive Crowds in South Africa

JOHANNESBURG – The arrival of LIV Golf in South Africa appears to be exceeding expectations, both on and off the course. Bryson DeChambeau, fresh off a victory in Singapore just days prior, fired an 8-under 63 at The Club at Steyn City on Thursday, tying for the lead in the first round alongside teammate Charles Howell III. But the story extending beyond the leaderboard, with a palpable energy surrounding the tournament that even DeChambeau himself acknowledged.

DeChambeau’s round was remarkable not just for the score, but for the reception it received. Following his performance, he found himself inundated with autograph requests, promising to sign for every fan who remained. The resulting scene, as described by those present, was a testament to the growing interest in LIV Golf within the country. Fans were reaching over fences, climbing onto platforms, and even offering unusual items – umbrellas, umbrella cases, backpacks, and even shoes – for DeChambeau’s signature.

“I’m playing really good,” DeChambeau said after his round. “My driver just got a little quirky today. I still feel like I’m playing really good, swinging it well. Just going to go tighten it up a little bit. But yeah, for the most part I feel really comfortable with my game.”

The enthusiastic response from South African fans is particularly noteworthy for LIV Golf, which has experienced varying levels of success in different locations. Promoters have been heavily marketing this event as something special, and early indications suggest those efforts are paying off. Ticket sales reportedly rivaled those of LIV’s most popular event in Australia, and the league even added an extra 18 holes to accommodate demand, selling an additional day of tickets. LIV Golf has reportedly moved 90,000 tickets for the event.

The atmosphere wasn’t limited to DeChambeau’s gallery. Louis Oosthuizen, captain of the all-South African Southern Guards team, and Charl Schwartzel were visibly moved by the support. Oosthuizen admitted to tearing up during his tee shot, overwhelmed by the crowd’s energy. Schwartzel described a rare feeling of “needles going through your body” as he stepped onto the first tee.

“Me and Charl [Schwartzel] just stood there talking a little bit, and I was there watching his tee shot,” Oosthuizen said. “I was tearing up a little bit. I position my glasses on because I felt so proud, and then Charl just said he felt the same way.”

Schwartzel echoed those sentiments, stating, “Very few times you receive to experience in your career where your hair stands up and you get these needles going through your body. I was walking up there [on the first tee], and it was just so loud, and I started tearing up. I was like, Wow, I need to hit a tee shot but I’m busy crying.”

The Southern Guards team, comprised of Oosthuizen, Dean Burmester, Schwartzel, and Branden Grace, is capitalizing on the home-field advantage, leading the team competition by one stroke after the first round. Grace is also one shot off the individual lead. Their general manager, Richard Glover, has promised a significant celebration should the team secure a victory.

The tournament’s timing also adds another layer of intrigue. With The Masters just 13 days away, players are using this event as a final tune-up before heading to Augusta. The westward journey for LIV players – from Hong Kong to Singapore to South Africa and ultimately to America – is a demanding one, but the opportunity to compete in front of enthusiastic crowds and fine-tune their games is proving to be a motivating factor.

While official attendance figures are yet to be released, the grounds at The Club at Steyn City were clearly buzzing with activity on Thursday. The combination of a strong field, a passionate local fanbase, and the unique atmosphere surrounding LIV Golf has created a compelling event that appears to be a success for both the league and the South African golfing community. The event is a significant moment for South African golf, offering a platform for local players to shine and a boost to the sport’s profile within the country.