Grace carded a four-under-par total to finish tied ninth individually, continuing a promising run of form as the LIV Golf season enters its final stages.

The South African was pleased with the way he handled the demanding conditions in the final round, particularly the heat and the need to stay patient around the challenging layout.

Dean Burmerster. Photo: Mike Stobe/LIV Golf

“The golf course here is always in immaculate condition, so we had that going for us,” said Grace.

“It was about trying to stay hydrated and not letting the easy bogeys come our way. It was a good fight today, and I’m happy with the way things ended.”

Grace believed his overall game remained in good shape throughout the tournament, although he felt he could have converted more opportunities on the greens.

“The whole week I played well. I struggled with the driver on the first day, made a little adjustment and then struggled with the putter for the last three days,” he said.

“I didn't putt badly, I just didn’t make a lot.”

Grace was comfortably the leading Southern Guards player, with Charl Schwartzel finishing tied 22nd on four-over, Martin Vorster tied 32nd on five-over, and Dean Burmester tied 41st on eight-over.

Martin Vorster. Photo: Montana Pritchard/LIV Golf

At the sharp end of the leaderboard, Torque GC captain Joaquin Niemann secured his ninth LIV Golf individual victory after producing a decisive back-nine charge.

Niemann closed with a two-under-par 69 to finish three shots clear of the chasing pack.

The team competition went the way of Crushers GC, who prevailed in a closely fought battle with Torque GC and Legion XIII. 

The victory was Crushers GC’s 11th regular-season team title, making them the most successful team in LIV Golf League history.

Charl Schwartzel. Photo: Mike Stobe/LIV Golf

There was also a major season-long achievement for Legion XIII captain Jon Rahm, who secured his third consecutive LIV Golf Individual Championship.

For Southern Guards, Grace’s top-10 finish provides another encouraging sign as the team turns its attention to the next major assignment.

The LIV Golf Individual Championship will be staged at Chatham Hills in Indianapolis from 20 to 23 August, with the season now moving towards its conclusion.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek  cvs