The LIV Golf League has been a game-changer in the world of professional golf, with its unique team-based format and commitment to global expansion. While the 2025 schedule is packed with 14 tournaments across the U.S. and international locations like Korea and Mexico City, one notable absence is South Africa, a country with deep golfing roots and a loyal fan base.
This absence hasn’t gone unnoticed by Stinger GC, a team led by South African golfing legend Louis Oosthuizen, alongside teammates Dean Burmester, Branden Grace, and Charl Schwartzel. As one of the league's original teams, they’ve been vocal about their desire to bring LIV Golf to their homeland.
A Vision for 2026
In a recent interview, Oosthuizen shed light on ongoing efforts to make a South African LIV event a reality. “We are fighting hard to get it in, but there needs to be a lot of things to align,” he explained. Collaboration with the Sunshine Tour, South Africa’s primary golf circuit, is key to ensuring this event not only happens but does so without disrupting the local golfing ecosystem.
“We don’t want to step on anyone’s toes. We want to work together with everyone,” Oosthuizen emphasised. From securing sponsors to aligning logistical and scheduling details, the process is complex but gaining momentum.
The team’s goal is to host an event as early as 2026, with contingency plans to push for 2027 if necessary. “It’s something we’ve been working hard on since March 2024,” said Oosthuizen, highlighting the dedication behind the scenes.
Why South Africa?
South Africa’s rich golfing history and passionate fan base make it a natural fit for LIV Golf. As Oosthuizen noted, “Everyone knows the South African public wants a LIV tournament. To bring this type of field to South Africa would be an unbelievable thing.”
With multiple international victories and a long-standing connection to the Sunshine Tour, Oosthuizen and his team are determined to give their fans a world-class golfing experience.
While the vision is exciting, obstacles remain. LIV Golf’s lack of recognition in the Official Golf World Ranking (OWGR) system complicates player qualifications for Major championships, an issue that has frustrated many LIV players, including Oosthuizen.
The recent appointment of South African Trevor Immelman as Chairman of OWGR brings hope for progress. “I think it’s great, he will do a good job and hopefully he can find a solution to get us LIV players some World Ranking points,” said Oosthuizen.
Going South
A South African LIV Golf event in 2026 would mark a significant milestone, not just for Stinger GC but for golf fans across the continent. While challenges remain, the commitment and collaboration between LIV Golf, the Sunshine Tour, and South African sponsors suggest a bright future ahead.
Stay tuned as the story unfolds 2026 might just be the year South Africa takes center stage in LIV Golf’s global journey.
