The 24-year-old will get his first real taste of golf’s big leagues after being drafted into the all-South African Southern Guards team.

Vorster comes into the side in place of former Open champion and team captain Louis Oosthuizen, who remains sidelined with an ongoing back injury.

Martin Vorster. Photo: Sunshine Tour

Oosthuizen withdrew during LIV Golf Andalucía in Spain, with Australia’s Wade Ormsby stepping in for the remainder of the tournament. While recovering in the United States, Oosthuizen had hoped to return for last week’s Open Championship at Royal Birkdale, but was forced to withdraw at the last minute. 

His withdrawal opened the door for fellow South African Aldrich Potgieter to receive a late invitation to the major. This week, the George-based Vorster will line up alongside Dean Burmester, Branden Grace and Charl Schwartzel in an exciting all-South African quartet.

Vorster has enjoyed a breakthrough season. Earlier this year he secured his maiden Sunshine Tour title by winning the DNi Tour Championship at De Zalze Winelands Golf Estate before continuing his campaign on Europe’s HotelPlanner Tour.

Like Burmester, Vorster is based at the picturesque Fancourt Golf Estate, and he already knows his experienced teammates well, making the transition into the Southern Guards setup that much easier.

The Mossel Bay-born golfer admitted he is relishing the chance to compete alongside three of South Africa’s biggest names.

“I’m really excited to play in a team environment again – I really haven’t done that since amateur golf,” said Vorster.

“I’ve been on tour for five years now, and playing with guys like Dean, Branden and Charl is special.”

Louis Oosthuizen. Photo: Southern Guards

“They’re the stars of South African golf and guys I’ve looked up to from a young age. I’m fortunate to know Dean pretty well, and I’ve also met and played with Branden and Charl before, so that definitely helps.

“I’m just so excited and honoured to be part of a team with names like that. All I can do is learn this week, enjoy it as much as possible, and continue to build relationships with them.

“It’s pretty cool to be able to spend time with them, so I’m incredibly excited for it. It’s such an honour.”

Dean Burmester and Jon Rahm. Photo: LIV Golf

For Vorster, however, the biggest attraction is once again competing in a team environment – something he has missed since his amateur days.

“I think I’m really excited about the team aspect of LIV Golf.

“I grew up playing all sports, and some of my favourite tournaments as a junior and an amateur were the inter-provincial team events in South Africa. They were so much fun, and I really miss that.

“We’re so used to playing just for ourselves every week, but now there’s more to play for than just yourself. Representing a team that is fully South African is really cool.”

Dean Burmester and Branden Grace. Photo: Southern Guards

“On the one hand, it feels like I’m playing for South Africa again, like I did as a junior and an amateur, which is an incredible honour.”

With one of the biggest opportunities of his young career now in front of him, Vorster will be hoping to make the most of his LIV Golf debut and prove he belongs among some of the biggest names in world golf.

LIV Golf United Kingdom tees off on Thursday at the JCB Golf & Country Club in Rochester.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg