LIV Golf has announced a significant evolution within its league lineup ahead of the 2026 season, with two teams unveiling new names and branding that reflect their cultural heritage, growing global fanbases and long-term ambitions.
Stinger Golf Club will officially compete as Southern Guards GC, while Iron Heads GC has rebranded as Korean Golf Club, marking a new chapter for both teams as LIV Golf continues to expand its international footprint.
Southern Guards GC emerges as a refreshed identity rooted firmly in South African culture, unity and resilience. Inspired by the philosophy of Ubuntu – “I am because we are” – the team’s new name and visual identity emphasise collective strength and shared purpose. Central to the branding is the rhino, a powerful symbol in South African heritage representing strength, resolve and legacy, combined with textures and patterns drawn from the nation’s cultural landscape.
The rebrand comes ahead of LIV Golf’s first visit to the continent of Africa, with LIV Golf South Africa set to take place at Steyn City, Johannesburg, from March 19-22. With more than 70,000 tickets already sold, momentum continues to grow around the League’s first event in the country.
“This has been an emotional and considered decision, but we felt the time was right to embrace a name and identity that truly reflects who we are,” said Richard Glover, General Manager of Southern Guards GC. “With LIV Golf coming to South Africa for the first time, the timing couldn’t be more fitting for us to represent our heritage with pride.”
Southern Guards GC will continue into the 2026 season with its established all-South African lineup of Louis Oosthuizen, Branden Grace, Dean Burmester and Charl Schwartzel, reinforcing the team’s national identity under its new banner.
Meanwhile, Iron Heads GC will officially compete as Korean Golf Club in 2026, unveiling a bold new identity inspired by Korea’s growing influence on global culture and its rapidly expanding golf audience. The rebrand draws on themes of honour, inclusivity and brotherhood, celebrating unity and the connective power of the game, and builds on the success of LIV Golf Korea presented by Coupang Play, which debuted in May 2025 and blended elite competition with music, entertainment and K-culture.
Anchoring the new look is the White Tiger (Baekho), a revered symbol in Korean folklore representing strength, protection and resilience. The logo also incorporates subtle golf references, while the Rose of Sharon, South Korea’s national flower, features prominently as a symbol of endurance and pride.
“We were inspired after LIV Korea 2025 and the energy of the thousands of young fans who showed up,” said Martin Kim, General Manager of Korean Golf Club. “Our tagline, ‘Welcome to the club,’ reflects our vision to create a new space for modern golf fans in Korea and around the world.”
In 2025, Korean American Kevin Na captained Iron Heads Golf Club and was joined by Danny Lee, a Korean-born New Zealander; Jang Yu-bin, the first Korean national to play in LIV Golf; and Jinichiro Kozuma of Japan. Iron Heads finished last of the 13 teams, and Jang lost his LIV Golf spot after finishing in 53rd place in the player standings. The final make-up of the 2026 team has yet to be announced.
Both new team identities will be reflected across competition, apparel, digital platforms and fan engagement initiatives from the start of the 2026 LIV Golf League season at LIV Golf Riyadh in February.