Schwartzel and his Southern Guards GC teammates have arrived at the iconic Valderrama for LIV Golf Andalucia, which tees off on Thursday afternoon on one of the most demanding layouts in world golf. The former Vereeniging professional heads into the tournament looking to build momentum after finishing tied for 34th at LIV Golf Korea in Busan last week. 

Southern Guards GC, made up of Schwartzel, fellow South Africans Louis Oosthuizen, Branden Grace, and Dean Burmester, is currently seventh in the LIV Golf team standings.

With several events still to play, the side remains firmly focused on climbing into the top three before the season reaches its conclusion.

Grace led the South African charge in Busan, finishing in a share of 12th on six-under-par at the Asiad Country Club. Burmester followed in a tie for 23rd on two-under, while Schwartzel ended level-par in a share of 34th, and Oosthuizen finished one-over-par for a share of 37th.

While Schwartzel's ball-striking continues to impress, the 2011 Masters champion believes his struggles on the greens have prevented him from converting solid performances into genuine title challenges.

Louis Oosthuizen. Photo: LIV Golf

“I’m quite happy with the long game. It’s been disappointing this year, so it wasn’t just in Korea,” said Schwartzel.

“The long game felt good, but unfortunately, the game is all about putting. I need to have a few better putting tournaments to perform better.

“My putting’s been holding me back. The last couple of seasons, I’ve been number one in putting. I think this year I’m probably one of the last in the rankings, so I need to somehow find something with the putter to be able to play better.

Charl Schwartzel in Mexico City. Photo: LIV Golf

“The way that I’ve been hitting the ball is good enough to win tournaments, but you need a putter.”

Schwartzel added that he has not yet finalised his schedule once the LIV Golf season concludes, although a return to one of his favourite venues remains a possibility.

“I haven’t really looked at it too much. I always liked playing at Leopard Creek. I might have to play a few International Series events, but we’ll see. I won’t play a lot of tournaments after the season’s done, though.”

Branden Grace in Mexico City. Photo: LIV Golf

With the narrow fairways and demanding greens of Valderrama awaiting, Schwartzel will be hoping this week marks the start of a putting revival as both he and Southern Guards GC look to finish the LIV Golf season on a high.

LIV Golf Andalucia tees off on Thursday at 13:15.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek mvh