Gary Player has taken to social media to issue his verdict on the first ever LIV Golf event in South Africa, which saw Bryson DeChambeau emerge victorious.
This past week certainly seemed to be a big win for LIV, with the passionate crowd creating a fantastic atmosphere at Steyn City.
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The South African spectacle certainly came a lot closer to resembling the flagship tournament in Adelaide than any other LIV event has done.
And the fans were treated to a thrilling finale, with Bryson DeChambeau beating Jon Rahm in a playoff after they finished tied on 26 under par through four rounds.
Gary Player issues his verdict on the inaugural LIV Golf South Africa event
DeChambeau was also back on top of the podium after the team event, with the Crushers beating Southern Guards by one shot and denying the South African crowd a fairytale ending.
LIV have already announced that they will be returning to the Rainbow Nation in 2027.
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And it seems that the event has left Gary Player with a huge sense of pride, with the nine-time major champion taking to social media to offer his thoughts on the week.
Photo by Johan Rynners/Getty Images
He posted: ‘Many congratulations to Bryson DeChambeau on a magnificent and thrilling victory here in South Africa! What a spectacle for the game of golf. To watch two of the world’s finest competitors going head-to-head in a playoff is exactly the kind of drama that lifts our sport and captivates fans at the course and around the globe. But I must say, it fills my heart with tremendous pride to see South Africa hosting such a world-class event.
‘This is a nation with a deep love for the game, a country that has produced champions, and a place where the spirit of golf runs strong. To showcase our beautiful land, our passionate supporters, and our rich golfing heritage on the world stage is something truly special. I was also delighted to see the Southern Guards perform so admirably, coming so close to securing the team title. They represented themselves, and South Africa, with great distinction.
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‘Just as the Nedbank Golf Challenge does, I have no doubt this event will also help inspire the next generation of young South Africans to pick up a club and dream big. GP‘.
LIV Golf’s potential is undeniable after their week in South Africa
It is impossible to argue with the idea that there is clearly space for LIV in the game following weeks like the one in South Africa.
LIV is thriving when they travel to these amazing countries that have been starved of elite golf in recent years.
Both Australia and South Africa have staked strong claims to be considered if the PGA Championship goes global, or a fifth major is ever introduced.
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Speaking after the final round on Sunday, Dean Burmester insisted that he had never experienced anything quite like the event in his home country.
“Greatest week of my life. Honestly, collectively, the greatest four days I’ve had on the golf course, the most fun. I didn’t get down on myself once, which is something I tend to do, and it was impossible, everybody shouting my name, and just smiling, telling jokes, and shouting crazy things out there. It was amazing,” he said.
“I’ve never experienced that in my life. I know a lot of the American guys might have, but I’ve never experienced anything like that, and it was for me the greatest thing, so I can only say thank you so much, South Africa, and thank you to everybody around the world who watched and tuned in. Hopefully you enjoyed it as much as I did.”
LIV’s challenge now is to find more of these spots that capture the imagination of the public. South Africa has helped set an incredibly high bar.
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