LIV Golf’s Global Momentum Builds as Hong Kong Thriller Unfolds – South Africa Awaits

As the global momentum behind LIV Golf continues to grow, anticipation is already building in South Africa ahead of the circuit’s much-anticipated arrival in March. The revolutionary golf league will bring its unique team format, global stars and high-energy tournaments to local fans, marking a major moment for the sport in the country.

But before the tour reaches South African fairways, the spotlight this week is firmly on Hong Kong Golf Club, where a thrilling leaderboard is taking shape at HSBC LIV Golf Hong Kong.

South Africa’s Dean Burmester and Mexico’s Carlos Ortiz head into the weekend as co-leaders, with a pack of world-class players chasing them down after 36 holes.

Among those in pursuit is Belgium’s Thomas Detry, whose journey to Hong Kong was anything but straightforward. Detry was in Dubai when a recent Middle East conflict caused airport closures, leaving several LIV Golf players stranded. In a remarkable show of camaraderie, Jon Rahm – captain of Legion XIII – organised a private flight for seven players and a caddie, ensuring they could make the trip to Hong Kong. Detry was among those who benefited from the gesture.

The effort has clearly paid off. Playing in his first season on the LIV circuit, Detry fired a superb second-round 7-under 63 to move to 13-under for the tournament, leaving him just one shot behind Burmester and Ortiz.

“I’d better play well hopefully to be able to pay that back,” Detry joked after the round. “That was incredibly generous from Jon with all the uncertainty.”

Rahm, meanwhile, made his own charge up the leaderboard. The Spaniard produced the lowest round of the day – a brilliant 62 – to move into solo fourth at 12-under. His round included an eagle at the par-5 13th and birdies on four of his final five holes.

Despite his impressive form, Rahm remains eager to convert strong performances into a victory. The two-time LIV Golf Individual Champion has now gone 26 starts without a win, finishing runner-up in his last four LIV Golf appearances dating back to last season, including the opening two events this year in Riyadh and Adelaide.

“Coming down the stretch in pressure situations, I'm going to need to play a little bit better than that or at least swing a little bit better than I have so far,” Rahm admitted. “Clearly I'm doing just good enough to be in the hunt.”

Still, the weekend belongs to the leaders for now.

Ortiz followed his sensational opening-round 10-under 60 with a rollercoaster 4-under 66 that included seven birdies and three bogeys. A run of five birdies in eight holes during the middle of his round helped him maintain his place at the top.

“Kind of a rough start,” said the Torque GC star. “I wasn't in position a lot in the first few holes. Had to scramble. I made a few bogeys. But honestly, I'm just trying to get good reps. My swing has changed a little bit and the feels have changed. I'm just getting really comfortable with the new swing.”

Burmester, the South African standout, matched Ortiz at 14-under after a gritty second round of 6-under 64. Playing alongside Ortiz, Burmester was just one-under through his first ten holes before catching fire with four consecutive birdies.

After receiving treatment on his neck mid-round, the Southern Guards GC star loosened up and finished in style, draining a 15-foot birdie putt on the 18th to grab a share of the lead.

“Today I woke up a little stiff,” Burmester said. “I slept a bit funny, which is weird, and worked hard in the physio bed. Getting treatment again on the fourth tee made a massive difference, and then I was away.”

With 22 players within seven shots of the lead, the final 36 holes promise fireworks. The team competition is also finely poised, with Talor Gooch’s Smash GC holding a five-shot advantage over Torque GC.

Veteran Graeme McDowell provided one of the standout moments of the day when he produced an ace at the 181-yard fifth hole. The Northern Irishman now sits tied for eighth at 10-under and believes the tournament remains wide open.

“Thirty-six holes left times four – that’s 144 holes,” McDowell said. “That’s two tournaments’ worth. With four scores counting every day, it’s very volatile. There’s still a lot of work to do this weekend.”

As the battle unfolds in Hong Kong, South African fans are watching closely – particularly with Burmester flying the local flag near the top of the leaderboard.

And with LIV Golf set to arrive in South Africa this March, the excitement surrounding the league is only growing. If the drama unfolding in Hong Kong is anything to go by, local spectators could soon be witnessing one of golf’s most dynamic tournaments on home soil.

Photo by Chris Trotman/LIV Golf)