LIV Golf South Africa: Southern Guards GC Inspires Young Golfers in Johannesburg
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa – In the lead-up to the inaugural LIV Golf South Africa tournament, the Southern Guards GC team – Louis Oosthuizen, Charl Schwartzel, Dean Burmester, and Branden Grace – hosted a youth golf clinic at Steyn City on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, providing children from the neighboring Diepsloot community with a unique opportunity to learn from some of the world’s leading professional golfers.
Empowering Future Golfers Through the SG Academy Development Programme
All four Southern Guards GC players shared their expertise with young participants in the Southern Guards GC Academy Development Programme, offering guidance on basic putting techniques, skill-based drills, and friendly competition. The clinic welcomed children aged 9 to 11, providing an interactive introduction to golf and valuable time with accomplished South African golfers.
The initiative is part of the recently launched SG Academy Development Programme, a 12-month youth development initiative created in partnership with LIV Golf, the Steyn City Foundation, and Element Golf Academy. The program supports 40 learners from primary schools in Diepsloot, combining structured golf coaching with life-skills development, mentorship, and personal growth.
LIV Golf’s Commitment to Community Engagement
Scott O’Neil, CEO of LIV Golf, attended the program’s launch earlier this year, underscoring the league’s dedication to supporting community initiatives connected to its global events. The clinic aimed to build on the momentum of the program’s launch and demonstrate golf’s potential as a platform to inspire and empower young people with limited access to the sport.
Southern Guards GC: Beyond the Competition
“For the Southern Guards GC Foundation, today’s clinic represents much more than a golf lesson,” said Petrie Cronje, General Manager of the Southern Guards GC Foundation. “It is about creating moments that inspire young people, connecting them directly with role models, and reinforcing the message that opportunities in sport and life are possible when talent is supported with mentorship, and belief.”
Oosthuizen, as captain of Southern Guards GC, emphasized the importance of initiatives like this in building a lasting legacy beyond competition. “Days like this are really special for us as players,” he said. “We were once young kids with big dreams, so to spend time with these youngsters and introduce them to the game means a lot. If even one of them walks away believing they can achieve something through golf, then it’s been worth it.”
A Lasting Legacy for LIV Golf South Africa
The clinic is part of the legacy strategy for LIV Golf South Africa, ensuring the tournament leaves a meaningful and lasting impact on the surrounding communities. As LIV Golf South Africa prepares to tee off from March 19-22 at Steyn City in Johannesburg, the Southern Guards GC youth clinic has already delivered one of the tournament’s most impactful moments, connecting future golfers with champions of the game.