Home turf frenzy! Southern Guards ignite the LIV Golf South Africa fireworks – pure goosebumps in Round 1! Alright, golf fans, buckle up! What a start to LIV Golf South Africa! Things truly heated up on the Johannesburg green, and the local heroes of Southern Guards GC immediately showed who claims home advantage here. Before an enthusiastic South African crowd, they delivered a phenomenal round and secured the lead with an incredible 18 under par! Smash GC lurks just one shot behind, and Crushers GC is poised two shots back. The Southern Guards were led by a top-form Branden Grace, who carded a 7-under 64 – and that with just a single bogey on his scorecard! "It's just incredible," Grace raved about the fans' support. "This is exactly what we had hoped for. People are coming in droves to support this event. I feel like South Africa is craving such a major golf event and experience." And then came Charl Schwartzel! He actually stood at the tee on Thursday morning with back problems. But the adrenaline shot from the home fans worked wonders, and he fired a 5-under 66. "I think that was one of the best experiences I've ever had on a golf course," Schwartzel said with a voice full of goosebumps. "I've played in Presidents Cups, teed off in front of presidents in New York, but this first tee shot gave me goosebumps. I almost had tears in my eyes. It was a truly proud moment." 💬 "This is probably the greatest day I've ever had on a golf course" – @BurmyGolf #LIVGolfSouthAfrica | @SouthernGuards pic.twitter.com/gRIg5xwj5s — LIV Golf (@livgolf_league) March 19, 2026 Get this, folks: Shortly before tee-off, Schwartzel wasn't even sure if he could play at all! "It was close," he admitted. "I called Louis last night and said I don't think I'll be able to play. The bad back started on Sunday in Singapore, and I thought I could get a handle on it. Tuesday it was better, but Wednesday it got really bad. I think I was out here at 6 AM (5 AM CET) this morning, four hours before my tee time, trying acupuncture, physio, warm baths, and everything imaginable. I made it, but I feel like it was all just adrenaline." What a fighter's spirit! Dean Burmester also delivered a really strong 4-under 67, and Captain Louis Oosthuizen contributed a 2-under 69. Like Schwartzel, Burmester was extremely emotional on this important day for the Southern Guards and LIV Golf. "This is probably the highlight of my career, honestly," said Burmester. "This is probably the greatest day I've ever had on the golf course, the most fun, the most support I've ever had. I've played all over the world
