Southern Guards GC will welcome another South African into its line-up this week, with Martin Vorster stepping in for captain Louis Oosthuizen at LIV Golf UK following Oosthuizen’s withdrawal through a recurring back injury.
The opportunity marks a full-circle moment for the 24-year-old from Mossel Bay, who grew up in the same hometown as Oosthuizen and spent almost a decade developing his game through the Southern Guards GC Academy, formerly the Louis57 Golf Academy.
Earlier this season, Vorster claimed his maiden Sunshine Tour title at the DNi Tour Championship presented by RMB at De Zalze Winelands Golf Estate before continuing his campaign on Europe’s HotelPlanner Tour.
Vorster joins fellow South Africans Charl Schwartzel, Branden Grace and Dean Burmester as Southern Guards GC continue to proudly represent South Africa on the LIV Golf stage.
“I was absolutely over the moon,” said Vorster.
“I was so excited and incredibly grateful to have even been considered. I didn’t think twice about changing my plans because opportunities like this don’t come around often.
“For Vorster, the significance extends beyond making his LIV Golf debut.
“I’ve always been incredibly proud to be South African,” he said.
“To put on the Southern Guards shirt and know that I’m representing not only the team, but the country as well, makes this opportunity really special.”
The chance to compete alongside three of South Africa’s most accomplished golfers is another moment the young professional is embracing.
“I’m so excited and honoured to be part of a team with names like Charl, Branden and Dean,” he said.”They’re some of the biggest names in South African golf and guys I’ve looked up to for years.
I’ll be soaking up everything I can from them, learning as much as possible and building those relationships. It’s a huge honour to spend the week alongside them.”
Southern Guards GC, the all-South African team in the LIV Golf League, currently sit seventh in the season standings.
LIV Golf UK takes place at JCB Golf & Country Club from 23–26 July.
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