Grace's Second Victory "LIV Golf is Now in Its South Africa Golden Era"... What About 'Entertainment Icon' Johnson?

Brandon Grace is teeing off on the 7th hole on the final day of the second LIV Golf event. Portland, USA = Getty Images / Multibits

[Asia Economy Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist Reporter] "South African squad power."

Brandon Grace surged with a 7-under-par final round on the 3rd (Korean time) at the Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club (par 72) in Portland, Oregon, USA, to claim a come-from-behind victory (13-under-par 203) in the LIV Golf Invitational 2nd event (total prize money $25 million). The winner's prize money is a whopping $4 million (51.9 billion KRW). Along with Charl Schwartzel, Louis Oosthuizen, and Hennie du Plessis (all from South Africa), he competed as 'Team Stinger' and finished 2nd in the team event (16-under-par 200).

Grace started in 3rd place, 2 strokes behind, and showed strong finishing power by collecting 8 birdies (1 bogey). His late surge, including three consecutive birdies from holes 15 to 17, was especially impressive. The champion of the opening event held last month on the 12th at Centurion Golf Club in London, England, was Schwartzel. It truly looks like the 'South African squad' is emerging as the face of LIV Golf. Exactly 48 players complete 3 rounds without a cut-off, and 12 teams are formed through a draft system to compete in the team event as well.

LIV Golf, led by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), is a 'money festival' with a total prize pool of $25 million (32.45 billion KRW) per tournament, including $20 million for individual competition and $5 million for team competition. The last-place finisher receives $120,000 (156 million KRW). The team event winner's prize of $3 million (3.89 billion KRW) is split among the four players. Carlos Ortiz (Mexico), who joined from the 2nd event, finished 2nd, 2 strokes behind (11-under-par 205), while 'showbiz icon' Dustin Johnson (USA) remained in 4th place (9-under-par 207).