Watch the moment Louis Oosthuizen shot damages hole at LIV Golf South Africa - 'That was extraordinary'
Published 21/03/2026 at 11:48 GMT
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It was all-action golf on moving day at LIV Golf South Africa on Saturday, but there was a brief delay to play when repairs were needed to a damaged hole. Louis Oosthuizen fired his approach on the 18th green right at the hole, and it went in and out, while causing damage to the cup. Running repairs were required by chief referee Brad Ullman at Steyn City.
'Strange thing to happen' - Oosthuizen pitch goes in the hole and back out
Video credit: TNT Sports
Running repairs were required to the 18th hole after Louis Oosthuizen’s ball knocked it out of shape in the third round of LIV Golf South Africa.
After finding the fairway with his second shot, the South African was left with a pitch to the green on the par five.
Oosthuizen took dead aim and executed his shot to the inch, as his ball flew straight into the hole. Unluckily for the 2010 Open champion, the ball bounced out of the cup - to the amazement of the commentary team on TNT Sports.
”That must have pitched in the hole,” said Nicolas Colsaerts. ”It went in the hole and out.”
As Oosthuizen made his way to the green, it became clear that damage had been done to the hole.
With Oosthuizen’s ball still in play, the 43-year-old was prevented from touching the hole.
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Up stepped match referee Brad Ullman, who got the hole back in shape.
”Louis Oosthuizen did hit the 18th hole on the fly and knocked it out of shape,” David Feherty said. ”A most unusual, strange thing to happen. It did not appear to even hit the flag stick.
”Brad Ullman, chief referee, will come in and repair the hole. He will have a ring, and he will use it to slip it in and force the earth back into shape.”
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Video credit: TNT Sports
With Oosthuizen in close proximity, Ullman asked for the player's putter to help with the repair work.
”He will use the putter to tamp it down,” Feherty continued.
After seeing a close-up slow-motion replay, Fehery added: ”That was extraordinary, it did a full 180. Amazing.”
Former DP World Tour professional, Colsaerts spoke about the rule that prevented Oosthuizen from helping with the repair work.
”An interesting thing here is that if you had finished the hole, a player can touch the hole but if you have not finished the hole no-one can touch it,” Colsaerts said.
After the repair work was carried out, Oosthuizen tapped in for a birdie - to the delight of the South African fans at Steyn City.
All our dreams come true
As captain of the Southern Guards, Oosthuizen played a big part in bringing a tournament to the country, and he cut an emotional figure after completing his first round on Thursday.
”I know what it took to bring this tournament here, and the fans were unbelievable,” he said. ”For a Thursday, to have this many people here, it’s all our dreams come true.
"What everyone has done with the team behind the scenes, the LIV guys and everyone that was involved. What we've done in achieving and getting this tournament here was a massive goal of ours.”
Oosthuizen and Southern Guards GC team-mates Charl Schwartzel, Dean Bumester and Branden Grace made a superb start to their home event and are firmly in contention for the team prize.
Watch and stream the LIV Golf season, including round five in South Africa, live on TNT Sports.
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