The South African outfit, captained by Louis Oosthuizen, currently sits seventh in the overall team standings and remains firmly in the hunt for a top-three finish by the end of the season. There is renewed confidence in the camp following a strong showing from Dean Burmester at LIV Golf Virginia in Washington D.C., where the former Bloemfontein professional produced one of his best performances of the season. 

Burmester finished fourth overall in the individual competition on an impressive 18-under-par, giving the Southern Guards valuable momentum heading into the Asian leg of the campaign.

Branden Grace. Photo: LIV Golf

Oosthuizen, the former Open champion, said he feels refreshed and ready after enjoying a short break ahead of the back-to-back tournaments.

“My body feels good. I had a good two-week break, and I’m ready to go for this one and next week,” said Oosthuizen.

“I just stepped off a plane and tried to play a few holes, but now I’m ready.”

The experienced South African believes the layout in Busan could produce another low-scoring spectacle, with attacking golf expected throughout the week.

“It looks again like it’s going to be low scoring. Guys are going to be aggressive off the tee,” Oosthuizen added.

“You do need to hit it pretty straight off the tee, but it looks like there can be a lot of birdies here.”

Deab Burmester. Photo: Morgan Piek

The Southern Guards have traditionally enjoyed competing in Asia, with Oosthuizen admitting that the Far East remains one of his favourite regions on the LIV Golf calendar.

“Asia has always been great to come and play in. There’s so much golf being played in Asia, and great golf courses.

“Hong Kong is one of my favourite spots when we go back every year. It’s nice seeing different cultures and different ways of life, and to see how the people play their golf here.”

Charl Schwartzel. Photo: Morgan Piek

With confidence building and valuable points still up for grabs, the Southern Guards will once again rely on the experience of Oosthuizen, Burmester, Branden Grace, and Charl Schwartzel to deliver another strong performance on the global LIV Golf stage.

The team tees off from 6:15 on Thursday morning as they continue their push up the standings.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek mvh