Southern Guards GC came agonizingly close to victory on home soil but ultimately fell one stroke short at the inaugural LIV Golf South Africa event at The Club at Steyn City. Crushers GC claimed the team title after posting a combined 21-under par in the final round.
The historic tournament drew more than 100,000 spectators across four days, setting a new record as the highest-attended professional golf event in South African history. LIV Golf officials announced the tournament will return to Steyn City from April 22-25, 2027.
Dean Burmester emerged as the emotional leader for his home team, carding a five-under 66 in the final round to finish tied for sixth individually. Despite the disappointment, Burmester expressed pride in the week's achievements.
"I mean, obviously a little gutted we didn't get it done, but I'm proud to be South African," Burmester said. "I think South Africa showed up, and we've put on the greatest show in golf. I think it's clear to see they're the greatest fans in the world, and they came out in the thousands, and they were behind us all the way."
Burmester's final round featured four consecutive opening birdies before he played the remaining 14 holes in bogey-free fashion. The performance capped an emotional week for the South African golfer.
"I had a phenomenal week, honestly," Burmester said. "I could never have imagined a greater week for all four of us to be welcomed like this at home. It's the greatest feeling I think any of us will ever feel."
Grace finished the tournament tied for third at 23-under par, leading the team's individual performances. Oosthuizen tied for 17th at 16-under, while Schwartzel's perseverance through injury saw him tie for 24th at 14-under.
Schwartzel's participation was in doubt before the tournament began due to his back issues, making his completion of all four rounds particularly noteworthy.
"I'm very proud of the way I fought through it," said the Johannesburg native. "I wasn't able to hit the driver, back was too sore, but I made the best of what I had. I tried my best. Today the putter went a little cold on me, but these guys played amazing."
The week exceeded expectations for the South African team and LIV Golf organizers alike. Schwartzel reflected on the tournament's impact beyond competitive results.
"At the end of the day, that was what we set out to achieve was to create this, and this actually blew out our expectations. It's just amazing," Schwartzel said.
Burmester described the unique atmosphere created by the passionate home crowd, particularly the experience of teeing off on the first hole throughout the week.
"Each of us got to tee off on this first tee here, and each of us walked off saying exactly the same thing: We couldn't feel anything. It was the greatest thing I've ever felt on the golf course. I'm just proud to be South African; that's it," Burmester said.
LIV Golf's next event moves to Mexico City from April 16-19 at Club de Golf Chapultepec, one of North America's highest-altitude golf courses. The successful South African debut has established a foundation for the tour's return to Africa next year.