The all-South African outfit produced a composed and competitive display to secure third place in the team competition at LIV Golf Mexico City, a result that lifts them into third in the overall standings. It continues a strong run of form for the side, who were narrowly edged into second place on home soil at LIV Golf South Africa at Steyn City last month.

Branden Grace - Charles Laberge/LIV Golf

Their latest charge was underpinned by a solid collective effort. Branden Grace led the way with a share of fifth on 11-under-par, while captain Louis Oosthuizen carded 9-under to finish 13th. Dean Burmester added further weight with a 15th-place finish on 8-under-par - a contribution that proved vital in the team standings.

Oosthuizen, who has previously described his relationship with Chapultepec as “love-hate”, cut a far more satisfied figure this time around.

“I played nicely today. I had a bit of a scare on the 18th hole, but ended up making a good bogey. Overall, I felt really comfortable and hit the ball pretty well.”

“It was tight out there. We were tied with Torque GC with three holes left. I think Carlos Ortiz didn’t finish well, and I managed to make a birdie, so we hung on to third place, which is good for the team.”

“I’ve got a lot of confidence at the moment. I feel like my game is slowly getting there.”

Beyond his own performance, Oosthuizen highlighted the importance of the upcoming break - particularly for teammate Charl Schwartzel, who has endured a packed schedule.

Dean Burmester finished on 8-under-par for 15th - Jon Ferrey/LIV Golf

“The two-week break will be great for Charl. He’s played a lot of golf recently - I think seven out of nine weeks - so the rest will do him good. You can see he’s just a little bit fatigued.”

He also pointed to encouraging signs across the squad as they build momentum heading into the next leg of the season.

“Looking ahead to Virginia, we should all be fresh. Brandon is playing some really good golf, and Dean is very close to being back to his best. We’re all looking forward to the next one.”

Charl Schwartzel - Mateo Villalba/LIV Golf

The circuit now heads to the United States for the next stop - the LIV Golf Virginia, set to take place at Trump National Golf Club Washington DC from 7 to 10 May, where the Southern Guards will look to turn consistency into silverware.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport