LIV Golf South Africa recap – Charles Howell III and Bryson DeChambeau take overnight lead after first round at Steyn City

By Marko Tankosic

SME News Balkan. Bryson DeChambeau continued his red-hot form by grabbing a share of the lead after round one of LIV Golf South Africa, finishing on eight-under alongside Crushers teammate Charles Howell III. Fresh off his victory in Singapore, DeChambeau delivered another highlight-reel performance at Steyn City, closing his round with back-to-back birdies to climb to the top of the leaderboard.

Late Surge Powers DeChambeau Into Lead

Despite a bogey on the eighth, DeChambeau surged through the back nine with six birdies in his final 10 holes. His finish was particularly dramatic — recovering from a wayward tee shot on the last before nearly holing out from the fairway and calmly tapping in for birdie.

Howell III matched him shot-for-shot, taking advantage of scoring opportunities to post an equally impressive round and ensure a Crushers one-two at the top.

South Africans Lead Home Charge

Home favourite Branden Grace sits just one shot back on seven-under alongside Sergio Garcia, keeping the local crowd firmly engaged.

Meanwhile, Jon Rahm — already a winner this season — is well within striking distance at six-under, joined by Talor Gooch in a tightly packed leaderboard. Veterans Lee Westwood and Charl Schwartzel also impressed, both posting five-under rounds, with Schwartzel overcoming a recent back injury to stay competitive.

Ryder Cup Atmosphere at Steyn City

Westwood, a veteran of multiple Ryder Cups, compared the atmosphere to one of golf’s biggest stages. “The energy on the first tee was incredible — it felt like Ryder Cup volume,” he said, highlighting the passionate South African support throughout the day.

Team Battle Heats Up

In the team competition, Southern Guards lead the standings at 18-under, narrowly ahead of Smash and Crushers, adding another layer of intensity to the tournament.

All to Play for in Round Two

With big names stacked near the top and scoring conditions favouring aggressive play, the stage is set for an explosive second round. DeChambeau’s form makes him the man to beat — but with Rahm, Garcia, and a host of contenders within touching distance, the battle for the title in South Africa is wide open.