Opinion: Why LIV Golf Proves South Africa is Ready for F1
The success of the inaugural LIV Golf South Africa at Steyn City this past weekend (March 20–22, 2026) was more than just a win for Bryson DeChambeau—it was a massive proof of concept for the country's ability to host world-class sporting spectacles.
A proud moment for South Africa
The roar of the crowd at Steyn City this weekend wasn't just for the birdies and eagles; it was a signal to the world. As the dust settles on a spectacular LIV Golf South Africa, one thing is clear: the appetite for premium, global sporting events in Mzansi is at an all-time high. I was fortunate to attend a rain-soaked Steyn City on Saturday to watch some of the world's best golfers take on the challenge.
As a keen golfer myself, watching some of my heroes was a bucket-list experience, but above all, I was so proud to see my fellow South Africans support all the players with such enthusiasm. I have attended and played in many golf tournaments in my time, but this was something else, a turning point for the sport within a local context. We now have international players and companies well aware of what we are capable of, not only from a sporting perspective but also from a hosting and fan base perspective.
Premium brands want in
The involvement of a luxury brand like Lexus isn't just about pretty cars on the grass. It proves that the corporate appetite to fund Tier-1 international sports in South Africa is alive and well. Formula 1 is famously expensive to host, but the success of LIV shows that when you provide a premium platform, the sponsors and the fans (who sold out the venue with over 100 000 tickets) will show up in droves.
Kyalami is warming up
While the golf was unfolding, the motorsport world was already buzzing. The FIA has recently approved design proposals to upgrade the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit to Grade 1 status—the holy grail required to host Formula 1.
With an estimated R200 million investment needed for track run-offs and infrastructure, a weekend like LIV Golf's success provides the perfect economic case study. It proves that South Africa isn't just a nostalgic stop on a calendar; it’s a viable, profitable, and logistically capable destination. Africa, in general, is one of the glaring continental omissions from the pinnacle of motorsport's current calendar.
The hurdle
The journey to bring Formula 1 back to the iconic Kyalami circuit is looking more like a long-term plan than an immediate implementation. Even though the recent LIV Golf South Africa weekend proved that the local appetite for elite sports is massive, a South African Grand Prix has been officially red-flagged for 2026 and 2027.
This setback is a reality check, fuelled by a combination of steep infrastructure costs, logistical hurdles that were initially downplayed, and a sensitive international political landscape. Interestingly, the recent void left by race cancellations in the Middle East, sparked by regional volatility, has opened a rare window in the global racing calendar. Yet, for South Africa to seize this moment and outpace rivals like Rwanda, it isn't enough to just have a world-class track. The newly formed government task force must now bridge the gap between ambition and execution by providing the iron-clad financial backing that has historically derailed our F1 dreams.
Why now?
- The Fanbase: South Africa has one of the fastest-growing F1 fanbases in the world.
- The political will: Minister of Sport Gayton McKenzie has been vocal about bringing F1 back, and the success of LIV Golf gives him the political capital to push harder.
The final lap
Bryson DeChambeau may have walked away with the trophy this weekend, but the real winner was South Africa’s reputation as a global sporting hub. We’ve shown we can handle the festival format of modern sports—combining elite competition with music, luxury, and high-end fan engagement.
The lights are green. The track is waiting. It’s time to bring the world’s fastest sport back to the mother continent. Let's hope 2028 will be our year!
