• 85% of event waste diverted from landfill, with large-scale reuse and circular economy initiatives implemented
• Nearly 19,000 fans used low-emission transport systems, cutting an estimated 540,000 travel miles
• 12-month youth development programme launched, supporting 40 students with golf training and life-skills education

At Steyn City, just north of Johannesburg, the inaugural LIV Golf South Africa tournament extended its reach far beyond the fairways, combining elite sport with targeted community investment and measurable environmental interventions.

Across Gauteng, the event activated youth development programmes, opened access to new audiences, and deployed infrastructure aimed at reducing resource consumption and emissions. The approach reflects a growing expectation that large-scale sporting events align with ESG priorities while delivering tangible local value.

Youth Development Anchors Community Strategy

A central feature of the week was the Southern Guards GC Academy Development Programme, designed to build long-term access to golf among underserved communities.

In the lead-up to the tournament, South African players Louis Oosthuizen, Charl Schwartzel, Dean Burmester and Branden Grace hosted a youth clinic at Steyn City for children from Diepsloot. The session introduced participants to the fundamentals of the sport while exposing them to professional pathways.

Delivered in partnership with LIV Golf, the Steyn City Foundation and Element Golf Academy, the initiative extends beyond a single event. It forms part of a 12-month programme supporting 40 learners from three primary schools, combining technical training with mentorship and life-skills development.

The structure reflects a broader shift in sports-led ESG strategies, where legacy programmes are prioritised over short-term engagement. For stakeholders, the model offers a replicable framework linking talent development with social mobility.

Expanding Access Beyond the Course

The tournament also prioritised accessibility, integrating surrounding communities into the event experience.

More than 1,000 youth athletes from golf schools across Gauteng attended the opening day, gaining exposure to top-tier competition. A dedicated Fan Village in Diepsloot extended access further, broadcasting the tournament live to local residents who could not attend in person.

In partnership with World of Golf, the event offered free lessons and practice access from March 19 to 22, introducing new participants to the sport through a hybrid fan and participation experience.

Thousands of residents were also welcomed onto the course during the opening day, reframing the tournament as a shared public event rather than a closed, premium experience. This approach aligns with increasing pressure on global sporting organisations to demonstrate inclusivity and community integration.

Measurable Reductions in Environmental Impact

Environmental performance formed a core pillar of the event’s design, with a focus on transport, water usage and waste management.

A Park & Ride system reduced reliance on private vehicles, with nearly 19,000 attendees using the service. The initiative is projected to eliminate approximately 540,000 individual travel miles, significantly lowering transport-related emissions.

Water conservation measures delivered substantial savings. High-efficiency restroom infrastructure saved over 3 million litres of water, while greywater irrigation systems prevented the use of an additional 318,203 litres of fresh water during both the build phase and event week.

Waste management strategies emphasised circularity. Approximately 230 square metres of PVC signage was repurposed through partnerships with female-led micro-enterprises Expo Solutions and EyakoGreen, where materials will be upcycled into reusable products. Overall, 85% of event waste was diverted from landfill.

Reusable infrastructure also featured prominently, with shade structures and durable furniture retained for future tournaments, reducing the need for new material production.

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Sustainable Land and Course Management

Course preparation incorporated ecological considerations, balancing event requirements with long-term land health.

Trees removed for temporary infrastructure were processed into mulch, with more than 500 cubic metres used to create natural walkways and spectator areas. The material will decompose over time, contributing to soil regeneration.

A replanting programme ensured that two trees were planted for every one removed, supporting biodiversity across the estate. Large sections of natural veld were preserved, reducing mowing requirements and maintaining habitat integrity.

The broader Steyn City estate reinforces this approach, with over one million trees, shrubs and ground cover plants supporting wildlife including springbok, impala, Cape rabbits and bird species.

Implications for ESG-Driven Event Models

LIV Golf South Africa’s execution highlights the increasing convergence of sport, sustainability and social investment.

For executives and investors, the event offers a case study in integrating ESG principles into large-scale operations without compromising commercial appeal. Transport systems, water infrastructure and material reuse delivered quantifiable environmental outcomes, while community programmes created longer-term social value.

These elements are coordinated under LIV Golf’s LIV For Good platform, which positions sustainability and access as core components of its global strategy.

As scrutiny of mega-events intensifies, particularly around resource use and community impact, the South African tournament provides a template for how global sporting platforms can align with both local development priorities and international ESG expectations.

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