Gary Player drastically changes tune on LIV with | Golf News

Gary Player was a staunch critic of LIV Golf when it launched 4 years in the past, but he delivered a glowing endorsement of the breakaway league’s debut event in his native South Africa.

The nine-time major champion stays a PGA Tour loyalist, and he slammed gamers who turned their back on the institution to be part of LIV Golf in 2022. Like many, his stance has softened since then, and he has been a strong advocate for reunification.

The possibilities of that occurring appear more distant than ever, with both tours going in their own direction, but Player gave LIV a uncommon praise after a milestone event at Steyn City last week. Bryson DeChambeau defeated Jon Rahm in a playoff to take the $4 million title, and he was outlandishly in contrast to Tiger Woods in the aftermath.

South Africa has a wealthy {golfing} historical past. Grand Slam champion Player is one of the all-time greats, and the Rainbow Nation has also produced major champions in Ernie Els, Louis Oosthuizen, Retief Goosen, Trevor Immelman, Charl Schwartzel, and Bobby Locke.

Player was delighted to see his homeland in the highlight, with an attendance in extra of 100,000 across the 4 days.

South Africa stays a key market for the DP World Tour, but LIV’s debut was the first time in a number of years that a number of of the world’s top stars competed in the nation.

The raucous crowds had loads to cheer, with Branden Grace and Dean Burmester in competition for the title before DeChambeau and Rahm pulled away.

Grace, Burmester, and Southern Guards teammates Oosthuizen and Schwartzel fought gamely before shedding out to DeChambeau’s Crushers by one shot in the workforce competitors.

Player was proud of the show his nation put on. He wrote on social media: “Many congratulations to Bryson DeChambeau on a magnificent and thrilling victory here in South Africa! What a spectacle for the game of golf.

“To watch two of the world’s finest competitors going head-to-head in a playoff is exactly the kind of drama that lifts our sport and captivates fans at the course and around the globe.

“But I must say, it fills my heart with tremendous pride to see South Africa hosting such a world-class event. This is a nation with a deep love for the game, a country that has produced champions, and a place where the spirit of golf runs strong.

“To showcase our beautiful land, our passionate supporters, and our rich golfing heritage on the world stage is something truly special.

“I was also delighted to see the Southern Guards perform so admirably, coming so close to securing the team title. They represented themselves and South Africa with great distinction. Just as the Nedbank Golf Challenge does, I have no doubt this event will also help inspire the next generation of young South Africans to pick up a club and dream big.”

Player’s verdict on the event exhibits just how a lot his opinion of LIV has modified. Back in 2022, he told the BBC: “LIV is a tour for people who do not have confidence in their future.

“I wouldn’t take a billion dollars for my nine majors on both [the PGA Tour and European Tour]. The only man to win the Grand Slam on both tours. I worked hard. I had desire. I traveled the world. It was an education. I met wonderful people.

“It’s never going to examine to the common tour. No likelihood. They’ve declared conflict on the PGA Tour.”