LIV GOLF SOUTH AFRICA

March 19, 2026

Charl Schwartzel

The Club at Steyn City

Southern Guards GC

TV Quick Quotes

Q. Charl, this was a highly anticipated event. You were walking the fairways today with a big smile on your face, your head up high. It took a lot for this to happen, including from your team, the Southern Guards. Talk us through some of your thoughts after day one.

CHARL SCHWARTZEL: I think that was one of the best experiences I've ever had on a golf course. I've played Presidents Cups, I've teed off in front of Presidents in New York, and that first tee gave me goosebumps. I almost had tears in my eyes. It was a really proud moment.

Q. You were close to not teeing it up this morning but you were determined to represent Southern Guards as well as your country. Talk us through that decision, and how is your back feeling right now?

CHARL SCHWARTZEL: It was close. I phoned Louis last night, and I said, I don't think I'm going to be able to play. Bad back started in Singapore on Sunday, and I thought I could get it better. Tuesday was better, Wednesday got real bad. I think I was out here 6:00 this morning, four hours before my tee time getting acupuncture and physio and warm baths and all sorts of things that I could try and do. I managed it, but I feel like it was all on adrenaline. It was amazing just to play in front of everybody.

Q. Should the Southern Guards win on Sunday, can you paint a picture of what it would look like?

CHARL SCHWARTZEL: Well, I don't know. We'll have to see. But I think today, this was a Thursday and it was loud, so I think use your imagination; you can pretty much see what Sunday will be like.