In a bold move that reshapes the international golf landscape, LIV Golf has officially added South Africa to its 2026 schedule. The debut event will be held at Steyn City, near Johannesburg, from March 20 to 22, 2026–marking the first time the rebel league stages a tournament on the African continent.
This milestone elevates LIV Golf’s global presence to five continents, following stops in North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia, underscoring the tour’s ambition to become the premier global league in men’s professional golf. The addition also represents a strategic commitment to engaging South African golfing culture, spotlighting local talent and fan fervor like never before.
Historical Significance and Strategic Expansion
LIV Golf launched in 2022 as an alternative tour backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, and transitioned into full league status in 2023. Until now, its events were confined to four continents, but with the South Africa inclusion, LIV takes another significant step in realizing its international ambitions.
The press release emphasizes that the South Africa debut is multi‑year, signalling long‐term plans rather than a one‑off appearance. That aligns with expectations of consistent growth and expansion into new golf markets across Africa as part of LIV Golf’s mission to host events in major global centers.
Steyn City, the host venue, is a 2,000‑acre championship golf estate designed by Nicklaus Design, situated just outside Johannesburg. Known for luxurious fairways, scenic landscapes, and high‑end amenities, the course offers a fitting backdrop for LIV Golf’s festival-style format, combining professional competition with live music and lifestyle entertainment.
Its scale–reportedly two‑and‑a‑half times larger than New York’s Central Park–combined with a resort-style layout makes it ideal for accommodating the large crowds and multi-day programming typical of LIV events.
South Africa’s Home Team
A major draw for the Johannesburg event is Stinger GC, the all‑South African franchise team captained by Louis Oosthuizen, the 2010 Open Champion. His teammates include fellow national icons Charl Schwartzel (Masters Champion 2011), Branden Grace, and Dean Burmester.
Oosthuizen emphasized the emotional significance of playing at home:
“It’s always special to compete at home, and I’m incredibly proud to bring LIV Golf to South Africa for the first time … South African sports fans love their golf, and I am sure they will turn out in large numbers … South Africa has given so much to us, and now we get to give something back.”
This ties into the expectation that passionate local fans will turn out in large numbers, supporting both their national heroes and the spectacle of LIV’s festival atmosphere.
Fan Experience & Broader Impacts
The March weekend promises more than just golf: LIV events are renowned for pairing competition with live concerts, Club 54 hospitality, and family-oriented fan activations. Early‐bird ticket packages–three‑day grounds passes and VIP Club 54 experiences–are already available.
From a broader perspective, the event is expected to deliver economic impact and international exposure for Johannesburg and South Africa. In attendance at the announcement was South Africa’s Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, who heralded the game as a showcase of the country’s capabilities as a world-class sporting destination.
Already confirmed events in the 2026 schedule include:
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Adelaide, Australia: February 13–15, 2026
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Steyn City, South Africa: March 20–22, 2026
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LIV Golf UK by JCB: July 24–26, 2026
LIV Golf characterizes this lineup as its “most global schedule yet,” with more venues still to be announced across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. The league’s expansion strategy aims to deliver high‑stakes competition combined with immersive, festival‑style events in major international markets.
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