The inaugural LIV Golf South Africa at Steyn City, where Bryson DeChambeau defeated Jon Rahm in a playoff for the individual title, drew 100,000 attendees and generated an estimated R750-800 million economic impact on Gauteng province, despite ongoing friction with the Sunshine Tour. Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie lauded the event's diversity while calling for collaboration across tours.
Organizers reported 100,000 visitors over the four days at The Club at Steyn City. SA Tourism pegged the economic impact at R750-million to R800-million, including significant temporary jobs in hospitality. Hosting costs totaled about $54-million (R930-million), with an unconfirmed government contribution. The Southern Guards team, featuring South Africans Louis Oosthuizen, Charl Schwartzel, Branden Grace, and Dean Burmester, pushed for the team title until the final hole, rallying strong local support. The Sunshine Tour, aligned with the DP World Tour and PGA Tour, boycotted the event. CEO Thomas Abt acknowledged it as 'a hell of an event' and signaled openness to growth discussions with LIV, stressing the tour's year-round opportunities for players. Minister Gayton McKenzie noted the diverse crowds—'the most diverse crowd for any sporting event'—and pushed for unity: 'We work with those that want to work with us.' LIV CEO Scott O’Neil foresaw partnership, stating, 'we come in to complete, not compete.' The event is set to return to Steyn City on April 22-25, 2027.
