It’s been a month since the LIV Korea event, and this week’s tournament takes place just outside Washington, D.C., in the suburb of Gainesville.

The South African Stinger GC team has received a major boost with former SA Open champion Branden Grace fit and ready to return after a wrist injury. His comeback is a welcome addition to the team. The squad – made up of former Bloemfontein professional Dean Burmester and former Open champion Louis Oosthuizen, alongside Schwartzel – is currently seventh on the team standings with 40.16 points. 

They’ll be aiming for another strong performance this week. Schwartzel said the break provided a much-needed opportunity to reset, and for him, it almost feels like the start of a new season. 

“It was nice to have the month-long break – it kind of splits our season in two,” said Schwartzel. “I know some of the guys also play on the PGA Tour, so they didn’t really get much of a break, but for me, it was a good mental reset.

“We travel a lot, deal with a lot of jet lag, and eventually, your body and mind start to feel it. I was definitely starting to feel it in Korea, so the timing of the break was perfect.

Branden Grace. Photo: Sunshine Tour

“It really helped to recharge, and it honestly feels like the start of the season again. The excitement levels are much higher now than they were in Korea. We've got the final stretch of the year ahead, and we’re keen to make the most of it.”

Schwartzel also welcomed the return of their fourth teammate, Branden Grace, who missed the Korea leg due to injury. “It’s great to have Branden back. His wrist was a bit of a worry, and having to pull out in Korea wasn’t ideal – but the break came at just the right time, and I think it’s done him a lot of good.”

This week’s LIV Virginia tournament will be played at the prestigious Robert Trent Jones Golf Club.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cg