Sport, Art and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie has hailed the forthcoming LIV Golf event at Steyn City as a significant showcase for the country. Speaking at a media session held at Freedom Park in Pretoria, McKenzie described the tournament as a global advertisement for South Africa's ability to stage world-class international events.
McKenzie paid tribute to local golfers Dean Burmester, Louis Oosthuizen, Charl Schwartzel and Branden Grace — all members of the Southern Gaurds team — for their instrumental role in securing the event. "They love the country and they carry our flag with pride around the world. If it wasn't for them, this proud moment might never have happened," he said.
The minister revealed that plans are already underway to host the golf spectacle for multiple years, with future editions potentially drawing crowds of up to 95,000 — which would make it the largest event on the entire LIV Golf calendar. "I have talked about this goal before and we are on track to achieve it," McKenzie stated.
Addressing criticism of ministerial travel expenditure, McKenzie defended the costs as essential to the job. He pointed to the tournament's anticipated economic windfall as evidence, noting that through tourism, hospitality and international exposure, the event could generate nearly R1 billion in economic activity. "Doesn't that justify the cost of flights?" he asked.
The tournament is scheduled to take place in Gauteng from 19 to 22 March. LIV Golf's head of events, Ross Hallett, expressed confidence in Steyn City as a venue, describing it as "an incredible host course to celebrate our next chapter." Hallett added that the event would deliver an outstanding experience for fans while simultaneously boosting the local economy and tourism sector.
