America’s Brendan Steele claimed his inaugural title on the LIV Golf League with a two-stroke victory at the tour’s single stop in Australia, drawing large and enthusiastic crowds at The Grange Golf Club in Adelaide.
The 41-year-old from California posted rounds of 66, 64, and 68 to finish at 18 under par, securing a two-shot win over the fast-charging Louis Oosthuizen.
Starting the final round with a one-shot lead, Steele strung together five consecutive birdies from the fifth hole onwards, creating enough of a lead against Oosthuizen, who closed with a 7-under 65.
Trailing by two strokes, Andy Ogletree (65), Jon Rahm (64), Charl Schwartzel (64), Dean Burmester (67), and Joaquin Niemann (66) finished tied for third place.
“I’m really surreal,” said Steele, notching his 11th professional career victory and the first since 2017. “I’m pretty overwhelmed, but winning this event is truly special. I can’t speak highly enough about the fans, the golf course, and the entire experience this week.”
Team event goes to a play-off
The team competition was tightly contested, resulting in the first-ever team playoff in Adelaide after the all-Australian Rippers GC and the all-South African Stingers GC finished on -53.
In front of an enthusiastic crowd, the Rippers emerged victorious in the play-off, with hometown favorite Cameron Smith teaming up with Marc Leishman to defeat Louis Oosthuizen and Dean Burmester on the second playoff hole. This win was eagerly anticipated by the entire nation, with over 90,000 fans attending the three rounds at The Grange Golf Course.
“This is unreal,” said Smith, draped in an Australian flag alongside his teammates Marc Leishman, Matt Jones, and Lucas Herbert. “It’s a dream come true for us.”
“This week has far exceeded my vision for what was ahead,” Smith added. “I think I always knew internally that Australia would really embrace LIV with the culture, with the music, with the entertainment, everything that goes on around it. I always felt like this was the place where it was going to make it big, and how it’s been the last couple of years has been just insane. Although I’m a little bit biased, last year I said this is the best tournament I’ve ever played – but I think this year it’s done it again.”