Photo by LIV Golf via www.livgolf.com
By Newz.Africa, News Desk | 23 March 2026 | South Africa |LIV Golf rise
LIV Golf has announced that its South African event will return to The Club at Steyn City from 22–25 April 2027. The confirmation follows the success of this week’s inaugural tournament. The event drew more than 100 000 spectators and set a new attendance record for professional golf in the country.
@southernguardsgc What just happened! Wild scenes on the party hole! For Bafana Bafana! 🇿🇦🦏🇿🇦 #golf #livgolf #southernguardsgc ♬ Gangsta hip hop with a solemn choir(1462340) – Shinogi Beats
What’s Happening
The announcement was made on 22 March during a press conference in Johannesburg attended by Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie, LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil, Southern Guards GC General Manager Richard Glover, and Steyn City Properties CEO Steven Louw.
LIV Golf 2027 Return
LIV Golf confirmed that tickets for the 2027 edition are available from 22–29 March in a limited early‑bird window, with further sales to follow later in the year. The 2026 debut event concludes today, featuring a 57‑player international field and headline concerts by St. Lucia and GoldFish.
O’Neil described the return as a “proud moment” for LIV Golf, citing South Africa’s vibrant golf culture and the economic impact of the event. Minister McKenzie emphasised the broader benefits, including tourism, hospitality, and job creation. Louw highlighted Steyn City’s role in hosting Africa’s first LIV Golf tournament. Meanwhile, Glover noted the significance of competing before a home crowd.
Ticket options for 2027 include Grounds Passes, premium hospitality at Club 54, and themed experiences such as The Guards Club and Eagle’s View. LIV Golf stated that its global schedule has generated more than $1 billion in economic impact for host cities. As a result, South Africa is now positioned as a cornerstone of its expansion.
Newz.Africa Analysis
The confirmation of LIV Golf’s return underscores South Africa’s growing role in international sport. The record attendance at Steyn City demonstrates strong domestic demand for global‑scale events. Meanwhile, the involvement of government and local institutions signals alignment between sport, tourism, and economic development strategies.
For LIV Golf, South Africa offers both a passionate fan base and established infrastructure, strengthening its global calendar. The event’s integration of entertainment and hospitality reflects a broader trend in sports marketing. In fact, tournaments now serve as multi‑day cultural experiences. The challenge ahead will be sustaining momentum. Furthermore, ensuring that the promised economic benefits translate into long‑term opportunities for local communities and the national sports sector is important.
@personamagazine Caption: At LIV Golf, President Cyril Ramaphosa, m(Cupcake), stepped into the crowd signing caps and t-shirts, sharing a genuine moment with fans. Even in finishing second, the feeling was bigger than the result. It united South Africans in pride, energy and a shared moment on a global stage. #livgolf #cyrilramaphosa #steyncity ♬ original sound – Persona Magazine
President Cyril Ramaphosa’s attendance at Steyn City added a layer of national significance to the weekend, signalling government recognition of the event’s stature. His presence alongside senior officials and organisers reinforced the positioning of LIV Golf South Africa as more than a sporting showcase. Instead, it was a moment of state‑level endorsement for the country’s growing role in international sport.
The atmosphere across the four days was defined by electric crowds whose energy carried through both the competition and the entertainment programme. Fans filled the course and hospitality zones, creating a festival‑like environment that blended elite golf with live music and cultural experiences. The vibrancy of the audience underscored the appetite for large‑scale, globally recognised events in South Africa.
As the weekend concluded, the rise of golf in South Africa stood out as a defining theme. The combination of international stars, homegrown talent, and unprecedented spectator engagement demonstrated that the sport is entering a new era in the country. With LIV Golf confirming its return in 2027, South Africa has firmly established itself as a premier destination for world‑class golf. In addition, it is now a hub for the sport’s future growth.
Original Reporting
Newz.Africa reviewed the official LIV Golf press release dated 22 March 2026 and attended the announcement press conference in Johannesburg. Statements were obtained from LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil, Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie, Southern Guards GC General Manager Richard Glover and Steyn City Properties CEO Steven Louw.
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