Near-Term Agreement on LIV Golf in South Africa: Government Suggests Progress

Heyo! It seems South Africa might just be the next hot spot for the LIV Golf league, according to their sports minister, Gayton McKenzie. Yep, that's right! The Saudi Arabia-backed league could be making its African debut soon.

Now, you might be wondering what's so special about this rebel tour? Well, it's backed by none other than the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund. Although it hasn't staged any events in Africa so far, there's been a fair bit of action in Morocco with many players on the tour participating in International Series events.

McKenzie himself stated that South Africa is almost there in securing a leg of this globetrotting tour, which has been a hit in countries like the UK, USA, and Australia. He even met with the CEO of the league, Scott O'Neil, to discuss the potential of bringing this action-packed golf extravaganza to South African soil.

But hold up! South Africa isn't the only one eyeing some excitement. The nation is also in a fierce battle with Rwanda for a Formula 1 race[1][3][4]. It looks like they're aiming to host the event at either the Kyalami circuit or construct a new street circuit in Cape Town. However, it's important to note that as of now, there's no word on South Africa being in direct competition with Rwanda for a LIV Golf event.

Back to our golf league, and top performers like Joaquin Niemann and Bryson DeChambeau are making waves. The solo LIV Golf leaderboard is currently led by Niemann, with DeChambeau and Jon Rahm rounding out the top three. Rahm's Legion XIII team stands tall in the group standings, leading the pack ahead of Sergio Garcia's Fireballs GC and DeChambeau's Crushers GC.

To top it off, the South African team, Stinger GC, is 100% homegrown, with Louis Oosthuizen as the captain and players like Dean Burmester, Branden Grace, and Charl Schwartzel making up the squad[2]. The Australian team, Ripper GC, has set a precedent for a successful all-national team, so if the South African leg proves as popular as the Down Under event, it might just add fuel to the fire for arguments supporting a rotating or annual fifth major golf event outside the US or the UK[2].

So, keep your eyes peeled for more updates on the potential LIV Golf event in South Africa! It surely promises to be a spectacle worth watching.

[1] - https://www.grandprix247.com/formula-1/2022/01/03/f1-south-africa-kyalami-cape-town-gps-construction/[2] - https://www.espn.com/golf/liv-golf/story/4906305/liv-golf-stinger-gc-seeking-home-advantage-as-just-four-realm-teams-remain[3] - https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.south-africa-and-rwanda-make-f1-race-plans-public.2JFmo4hVv1UtF0yb7OzZhe.html[4] - https://www.iol.co.za/sport/motorsport/formula-1/blogs/f1-sa-new-construction-cape-town-sok-cycling-sasol-peace-and-fair-play-day-9612e456-6fd1-4a5f-85a6-b59a4f26734c

The LIV Golf league, spanning various continents, might be making its African debut in South Africa, following the country's interest, according to their sports minister, Gayton McKenzie.
Golfers like Joaquin Niemann and Bryson DeChambeau are currently heading the leaderboard of the LIV Golf tour, and South Africa's homegrown team, Stinger GC, under captain Louis Oosthuizen, is making waves in the competition.
In addition to the possible LIV Golf event, South Africa is in a competitive race with Rwanda for a Formula 1 race, aiming to host the event at the Kyalami circuit or construct a street circuit in Cape Town.
If the South African leg of the LIV Golf tour proves as popular as the Down Under event, it could add fuel to the fire for arguments supporting a rotating or annual fifth major golf event outside the US or the UK.