[IMAGE: LIV Golf]

The long-awaited arrival of LIV Golf in South Africa delivered both theatre and a homegrown surge on day one, with the all-South African Southern Guards GC feeding off a charged atmosphere to take the early team lead at The Club at Steyn City.

Roared on by a vocal Thursday gallery, the Southern Guards combined for 18-under-par to edge ahead by a single shot, capping a day that players described as among the most emotional of their careers.

RELATED: Ripper GC ready to re-ignite old rivalry at Steyn City

While none of the quartet topped the individual leaderboard, their collective effort – highlighted by a late charge – set the tone for what looms as a fiercely supported home campaign, much in the same vein as LIV Golf Adelaide and the all-Aussie Ripper GC team.

“Probably the pinnacle of my career, honestly,” said Dean Burmester after a four-under 67. “Probably the greatest day I’ve had on the golf course, the most fun, the most backing I’ve ever had. I’ve played all over the world, and I’ve never felt this kind of emotion and this electricity.”

Charl Schwartzel, who battled a back issue to post a five-under 66, echoed that sentiment.

“One of the best experiences I’ve ever had on a golf course,” he said. “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.”

Branden Grace led the charge for the hosts with a seven-under 64 to sit tied for third individually, while captain Louis Oosthuizen – instrumental in bringing LIV Golf to the country – signed for a two-under 69 that featured early turbulence before settling.

“I know what it took to bring this tournament here, and the fans were unbelievable,” Oosthuizen said. “For a Thursday, to have this many people here, it’s all our dreams come true.”

Southern Guards’ round built momentum late. After a steady opening stretch, the team caught fire across the back end of their rounds, sparked in part by Grace’s eagle early in his inward nine. The quartet played their final holes in a combined 10-under, riding a wave of noise and energy that translated directly to the scoreboard.

“I think everybody just got on the bandwagon and one thing led to another,” Grace said.

Despite the home dominance in the team standings, it was Crushers GC who set the individual pace, with captain Bryson DeChambeau and Charles Howell III sharing the lead at eight-under 63.

DeChambeau, fresh off a playoff win in Singapore, closed with four birdies in his final six holes in his first competitive appearance in South Africa, playing alongside Oosthuizen and Dustin Johnson in the marquee group.

“What an environment,” DeChambeau said. “South Africa showed out today, and it’s only Thursday. I’m quite impressed with the environment here and the people and the love that we felt today.”

Howell’s round was notable for its precision, producing his sixth bogey-free card of the season while leading the field in strokes gained putting on softened greens following heavy rain earlier in the week.

“I know it’s a big week for them, a special week for them, but it’s also a big week for LIV and LIV Golf on a global scale,” Howell said. “I’m quite sure the next three days will be pretty crazy and chaotic out there.”

Cam Smith was the pick of the Aussies, carding an opening round of 5-under to help Ripper GC reach a 12-under total to sit tied-ninth five shots back.