LIV Golf South Africa: Oosthuizen & Team Host Youth Golf Clinic | Steyn City 2026
STEYN CITY, South Africa – As the inaugural LIV Golf South Africa tournament approaches, the Southern Guards GC team demonstrated a commitment extending beyond the fairway, hosting a youth golf clinic at Steyn City today. The clinic provided children from the neighboring Diepsloot community with a unique opportunity to learn from some of the world’s leading professional golfers: Louis Oosthuizen, Charl Schwartzel, Dean Burmester, and Branden Grace.
All four players actively engaged with the young participants in the Southern Guards GC Academy Development Programme, offering instruction on putting fundamentals, leading skill-based drills, and fostering a spirit of friendly competition. The clinic welcomed children aged 9 to 11, providing an accessible introduction to the sport and valuable time with accomplished South African golfers.
The initiative is a core component of the recently launched SG Academy Development Programme, a 12-month youth development initiative forged through a partnership between LIV Golf, the Steyn City Foundation, and Element Golf Academy. The program aims to support 40 learners from primary schools in Diepsloot, combining structured golf coaching with crucial life-skills development, mentorship, and personal growth opportunities.
The program’s launch earlier this year was attended by Scott O’Neil, CEO of LIV Golf, underscoring the league’s dedication to supporting community initiatives connected to its global events. This clinic served to build on that initial momentum, demonstrating golf’s potential as a platform for inspiring and empowering young people who may otherwise have limited access to the sport.
“For the Southern Guards GC Foundation, today’s clinic represents much more than a golf lesson,” said Petrie Cronje, General Manager of the Southern Guards GC Foundation. “This proves about creating moments that inspire young people, connecting them directly with role models, and reinforcing the message that opportunities in sport and life are possible when talent is supported with mentorship and belief.”
The players personally greeted the children, sharing insights into grip, alignment, and technique before participating in a fun skills challenge. Their presence emphasized the program’s commitment to mentorship and community engagement. Oosthuizen, as captain of Southern Guards GC, highlighted the importance of initiatives like this in building something beyond competitive success.
“Days like this are really special for us as players,” Oosthuizen said. “We were once young kids with big dreams, so to spend time with these youngsters and introduce them to the game means a lot. If even one of them walks away believing they can achieve something through golf, then it’s been worth it.”
The clinic similarly aligns with the broader legacy strategy for LIV Golf South Africa, ensuring the international tournament leaves a lasting, positive impact on the surrounding communities. The event, scheduled to accept place from to at Steyn City in Johannesburg, is poised to be the first LIV Golf event held on the African continent.
The Southern Guards, comprised of Oosthuizen, Schwartzel, Burmester, and Grace, will be looking to capitalize on home-field advantage this week. While the team has secured three victories on the LIV Golf circuit, they currently trail Ripper GC, the all-Australian team captained by Cameron Smith, who have won six times. Smith expressed confidence in his team’s ability to maintain momentum, while acknowledging the Southern Guards’ improving form.
Branden Grace noted the team’s recent progress, highlighting strong performances from himself, Oosthuizen, Burmester, and Schwartzel. “We know everybody has played some quality golf,” Grace said. “We know that we’re trending. So that is good. Obviously, the last couple of weeks Louis has really played well, Charl has been up there, Burmy has had three top 10s, I started off pretty decent this season, and we’ve been exceptionally solid.”
The upcoming tournament represents more than just a competitive showdown; it’s a chance for the Southern Guards to defend their “home turf” and further solidify their connection with the local community. The youth clinic served as a powerful demonstration of that commitment, connecting aspiring young golfers with established champions and fostering a passion for the game that extends far beyond the tournament’s duration. As LIV Golf South Africa prepares to tee off, the Southern Guards GC youth clinic has already delivered one of the tournament’s most meaningful moments.