'The Masters is a special week' - Augusta spot is driving Thomas Detry on for final round at LIV Golf South Africa
Published 21/03/2026 at 15:46 GMT
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There is huge prize money up for grabs at LIV Golf South Africa, but it is not the only prize in focus for Thomas Detry who knows a strong finish in the final round could secure his spot at the Masters. The opening Major of the 2026 season is looming into focus and Detry is looking to work his way into the top 50 in the world to earn an invitation for the tournament.
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Thomas Detry has said the prospect of securing an invitation to the Masters is spurring him on at LIV Golf South Africa.
The top 50 in the world rankings are usually offered invites to the first major of the year, and Detry is currently at No. 63.
It is highly likely that a win at Steyn City would be needed for the Belgian to break into the top 50.
After 54 holes, Detry is four shots off the lead held by Bryson DeChambeau.
Detry made eight birdies in his round of 63 on Saturday, and told TNT Sports that he is excited by the prospect of fighting for a win which could stamp his ticket to Augusta.
”It is on my mind,” Detry said. ”We are expecting some really bad weather tomorrow. I hope it is not going to be cancelled or reduced to 54 holes.
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”I had a putt on the final hole to maybe finish tied for second and left it just short. I knew that could have been important. It is on my mind.
”I love the Majors. I am qualified for the US PGA already, I am just outside for the US Open and The Open.
”The Masters is a special week and making it to Augusta would be pretty incredible.
”I have one goal tomorrow: to have a great week. It is probably going to take a win to do it to make it to Augusta. I have a shot at it, which is fun.”
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After some heavy rain, the course was extremely receptive, and Detry cashed in with his run of birdies.
The 33-year-old said the key to success is keeping the ball on the fairway.
”It is soft, not much wind, so a bit of a birdie-fest to be honest,” he said. ”Foot to the pedal all day and trying to make as many birdies as we can. I think I did a pretty good job at that, eight birdies and no bogeys.
”The rough is thick. You can get some bad lies out there, so one rule is to try and stay out of the rough and hit it as far as you can, with the altitude the ball goes really far.
”There are a lot of birdies out there, and I expect it will be the same tomorrow.
”There’s not much wind, the ball is flying miles. A fun course to play.”
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Detry joined LIV Golf ahead of the 2026 season and his early impressions are positive.
”I did not know what to expect,” Detry said. ”I was signing up for a little bit of the unknown, but it has been fantastic. I could not have hoped for a better change. It has been amazing.
”It has been fun playing with my friend Thomas Pieters and fun being part of a team.
”I love the courses, I love the events and I love the music as well. I feel like I am really enjoying myself.”
Watch and stream the LIV Golf season, including round five in South Africa, live on TNT Sports.
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