Southern Guards GC inspire youth at Steyn City Clinic

STEYN CITY, South Africa - In the build up to the first-ever LIV Golf South Africa, local favourites the Southern Guards GC team - Louis Oosthuizen , Charl Schwartzel, Dean Burmester and Branden Grace - hosted a youth golf clinic at Steyn City today, giving children from the neighbouring Diepsloot community the rare opportunity to learn directly from some of the world’s leading professional golfers. 

All four players shared their expertise with young participants in the Southern Guards GC Academy Development Programme, guiding them through basic putting instruction, fun skill-based drills and friendly competition on the putting facilities at Steyn City. 

The clinic welcomed children between the ages of 9 and 11, offering them an interactive introduction to the game while allowing them to spend time alongside some of South Africa’s most accomplished golfers.

The initiative forms 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 programme supports 40 learners from primary schools in Diepsloot and combines structured golf coaching with life-skills development, mentorship and personal growth. 

The programme’s launch earlier this year was also attended by Scott O’Neil, CEO of LIV Golf, highlighting the league’s commitment to supporting community initiatives connected to its global events.

The clinic was designed to maintain the momentum created by the programme’s launch and to demonstrate how golf can be used as a platform to inspire and empower young people from communities with limited access to the sport. 

“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.”

The players personally welcomed the children, sharing basic putting fundamentals including grip, alignment and technique before joining them in a fun skills challenge. Their presence reinforced the programme’s commitment to mentorship and community engagement. 

As captain of Southern Guards GC, Oosthuizen said initiatives like this are an important part of what the team hopes to build 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.” 

The clinic also forms part of the legacy strategy linked to LIV Golf South Africa, ensuring that the international tournament leaves a meaningful and lasting impact in the surrounding communities.

As LIV Golf South Africa prepares to tee off later this week, the Southern Guards GC youth clinic has already delivered one of the tournament’s most meaningful moments, connecting future golfers with champions of the game. 

LIV Golf South Africa will take place from 19-22 March at Steyn City, Johannesburg.