LIV Golf Faces Calls for Team Format Overhaul After Close Call in South Africa
JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA – March 24, 2026 – While LIV Golf’s inaugural event in South Africa was largely considered a success, the league is facing scrutiny over its team format, with calls for significant changes to enhance fan engagement. The Southern Guards, the home favorites, narrowly missed winning the team event, losing by just one shot to Bryson DeChambeau’s Crushers GC at The Club at Steyn City.
Southern Guards Capture Hearts Despite Team Loss
The all-South African team of Branden Grace, Dean Burmester, Louis Oosthuizen and Charl Schwartzel resonated with local fans, creating an electric atmosphere throughout the tournament. Despite not securing the team victory, Southern Guards finished with a collective score of 18 under, demonstrating strong performance and capturing the spirit of the event. Dean Burmester described his 4-under 67 as “probably the pinnacle of my career,” praising the unprecedented level of support from the gallery. Charl Schwartzel, despite battling a back issue, echoed this sentiment, stating the first tee gave him goosebumps, rivaling his experiences at Presidents Cups.
DeChambeau and Howell Lead Individual Play
Bryson DeChambeau and Charles Howell III of Crushers GC shared the individual lead after the first round, both carding 8-under 63s. DeChambeau ultimately secured the individual title after a playoff with Jon Rahm. According to SuperSport, DeChambeau maintained a two-shot lead through the third round, carding a 7-under 64 with two eagles.
Criticism of Current Team Format
Despite the excitement surrounding the South African event, some analysts believe LIV Golf is not fully capitalizing on the potential of its team format. Ryan Lavner, speaking on the Golf Channel Podcast, argued that the current system, which simply adds up individual scores, feels “too college golfy.” He suggested introducing match play weeks to create more head-to-head competition between teams, potentially boosting fan engagement.
Calls for a More Distinct LIV Identity
Critics suggest that LIV Golf has struggled to establish a clear identity since its inception in 2022. The team format was initially intended to differentiate LIV from the PGA Tour, but its implementation has been questioned. There is debate over whether team lineups should be based on geography, as seen with popular teams like Southern Guards and Ripper, or national affiliation, as with teams like Legion XIII, Crushers, and 4Aces. Establishing stronger team identities and rivalries could be key to attracting and retaining fans.
Looking Ahead: Potential Overhaul of Team Format
The success of the South African event, combined with ongoing criticism of the team format, suggests that LIV Golf may consider significant changes in the future. Implementing match play events and refining the team structure could be crucial steps in building a more compelling and engaging product for fans. As LIV Golf continues to evolve, finding the right balance between individual and team competition will be essential for long-term success.