Southern Guards ready for Valderrama test

Southern Guards GC have wasted no time settling into life in Spain, heading straight onto the famed Real Club Valderrama course following last week’s LIV Golf Korea as preparations ramp up for LIV Golf Andalucía.

Widely regarded as one of the most demanding and prestigious courses in world golf, Valderrama presents a very different challenge to the birdie-filled conditions seen in recent LIV Golf events.

For Southern Guards GC, the Spanish stop also brings back positive memories for Branden Grace. It was at Valderrama last season that Grace’s campaign took a significant turn for the better after battling a wrist injury that hampered much of his 2025 season.

Grace fought his way to a tied-fourth finish at 4-under-par, one of the standout performances of his year and a result that helped restore momentum and confidence heading into the second half of the season.

As the team returns to Spain, the all-South African outfit will be hoping to draw inspiration from Grace’s performance as they look to improve on last year’s 11th-place team finish.

Charl Schwartzel believes his game is close to where it needs to be, with one key area standing between him and stronger finishes.

“The long game feels good,” said Schwartzel.

“Unfortunately, golf is all about putting and I need to have a few better putting tournaments to perform better. My putting has probably been holding me back this season.

“The way I’ve been hitting the ball is good enough to win tournaments, but you need to putt better. If I can find something with the putter, I know the rest of my game is in a good place.”

Last year’s LIV Golf Andalucía was won by Talor Gooch, while Jon Rahm’s Legion XIII claimed the team title in front of passionate Spanish crowds.

With the season entering a crucial phase and valuable points still available in the Individual Championship race, Southern Guards GC will also be looking to build momentum in the Team Championship standings as they target another strong performance on the LIV Golf stage.