JOHANNESBURG — Bryson DeChambeau spent a significant portion of Thursday evening signing autographs at the LIV Golf South Africa event, fulfilling a promise made after completing the first round. The demand from fans was so intense that children reached through fences and spectators climbed onto platforms to get closer, according to reports from the course at Steyn City.
DeChambeau, sharing the individual lead with Howell III after the first round, reportedly signed everything from gloves and hats to umbrellas, umbrella cases, backpacks, and even shoes offered by eager fans. He has previously stated that signing autographs “re-energizes” him.
The enthusiastic reception in South Africa marks a notable moment for LIV Golf, which has experienced varying levels of success at different events. Promoters have been heavily promoting this inaugural African tournament as a unique experience, and early indicators suggest strong interest. Ticket sales have reportedly rivaled those of LIV’s most popular event in Australia, and the league added an additional 18 holes to the tournament, allowing for the sale of another full day of tickets. LIV Golf has stated it has sold 90,000 tickets for the event.
The strong turnout comes after a demanding travel schedule for many players, who recently competed in Hong Kong and Singapore before arriving in South Africa. The westward journey will continue after this week, with the Masters Tournament in Augusta, Georgia, just 13 days away.
Adding to the excitement, the all-South African Southern Guards team, captained by Louis Oosthuizen, is currently leading the team competition by one stroke. Oosthuizen, visibly moved by the support, recounted a conversation with fellow team member Charl Schwartzel. “Me and Charl just stood there talking a little bit, and I was there watching his tee shot,” Oosthuizen said. “I was tearing up a little bit. I put my glasses on because I felt so proud, and then Charl just said he felt the same way.”
Schwartzel echoed those sentiments, describing a rare moment of emotional intensity. “Very few times you get to experience in your career where your hair stands up and you get these needles going through your body,” he said. “I was walking up there [on the first tee], and it was just so loud, and I started tearing up. I was like, Wow, I need to hit a tee shot but I’m busy crying.”
Teammate Dean Burmester shared a similar experience during an on-course interview, and Branden Grace is currently one shot off the individual lead. Southern Guards general manager Richard Glover has promised a significant celebration should the team secure victory.
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