Louis Oosthuizen embraces LIV Golf’s 72-hole shift as Southern Guards eye history at home

AT 43, Louis Oosthuizen relished the unique three-round format while captaining the Southern Guards in the LIV Golf League.

The shorter tournaments suited a veteran who has seen it all in the game, allowing players to be aggressive while also easing the physical demands of a long season.

However, the South African major champion is bracing for change from this season, with LIV Golf events expanding to 72 holes as the series pushes to gain world ranking points in the near future. The PIF Saudi-funded league will introduce the four-round format at the opening tournament of the season in Riyadh, marking a significant shift in its competitive structure.

One of the most significant developments for Oosthuizen, Charl Schwartzel, Branden Grace and Dean Burmester and for South African golf fans is the addition of a local leg at Steyn City. The team has also undergone a rebrand from Stinger GC to the Southern Guards, ushering in a new identity as they prepare to compete on home soil.

The Johannesburg event will be LIV Golf’s first-ever tournament staged in Africa, offering Oosthuizen and his countrymen a chance to make history.

Oosthuizen, alongside his Southern Guards teammates, is embracing the changes that come with the new season. While the adjustment means more time on the course, it also signals LIV Golf’s intention to align more closely with traditional tours and strengthen its global credibility.

“As a 43-year-old, I love three rounds,” Oosthuizen said laughingly.

 “Look, they are doing it for world ranking points, and I am sure if ranking points were not an issue, it would've been 54 holes. Three rounds work, and the stats show that Thursdays are not really watched by a lot of people. In the new era we are heading into, 54 holes work.

 “I do not have a problem playing 72 holes; it will just be a little bit more golf. Hopefully, we do get the world ranking points.”

Looking back on the previous campaign, Oosthuizen said the team can take pride in a tough but productive 2025 season. The Southern Guards finished third overall, a result that provides a solid platform to build on as they set their sights higher this year.

The ultimate goal is to improve on that third-place finish, while winning the inaugural South African tournament in March remains the immediate focus. Oosthuizen stressed that success at Steyn City will depend on starting the season strongly and producing consistent performances from the outset.

He also weighed in on Brooks Koepka’s decision to leave LIV Golf and return to the PGA Tour, making it clear that the league’s future does not depend on any single individual.

“You have always done stuff as an individual and as a golfer. Sometimes you have to make tough decisions, and whether it was the best for him, I couldn't say. It is none of my business what he decided to do. But surely, he thought it was the best thing to go back to a different tour,” Oosthuizen said.

“We are very happy here and look forward to great things LIV is trying to do in the next year. We are excited, and all the golfers are excited to come to South Africa. We look forward to show our country to them. We will focus on that and try to get the Southern Guards onto the leaderboard early on.”