Thousands of golf fans are expected to descend on Steyn City from 19 to 22 March as LIV Golf South Africa arrives on the continent for the first time. The international tournament is set to bring global players, travelling supporters, and international media to Johannesburg, turning the luxury estate north of Sandton into one of the most talked-about sporting venues in the country.
But for many visitors, the tournament will be only part of the experience. Steyn City sits in the centre of one of Gauteng’s fastest-growing lifestyle districts, surrounded by hotels, restaurants, shopping hubs, and entertainment venues across Midrand, Waterfall City, and Fourways.
For spectators travelling to Gauteng for the tournament, the question quickly becomes what to do once the final putt drops.
Here is how to turn the LIV Golf weekend into a full Johannesburg experience.
Why LIV Golf at Steyn City Is a Big Moment for Gauteng
LIV Golf’s arrival in South Africa marks a significant milestone for the global tour and for Gauteng’s sports tourism sector.
The tournament brings some of the biggest names in professional golf to Steyn City’s championship course while positioning Johannesburg as a destination capable of hosting major international sporting events.
Large-scale tournaments often have ripple effects across the local economy.
Hotels fill up. Restaurants see increased foot traffic. Transport services, entertainment venues and tourist attractions experience a surge in visitors.
According to tourism officials, international sporting events help showcase Gauteng’s lifestyle offering to travellers who may extend their stay to explore the province.
For many visitors, LIV Golf becomes the starting point for discovering the wider Johannesburg region.
Where to Stay Near Steyn City
Accommodation close to the tournament venue ranges from luxury estate stays to convenient business hotels within a short driving distance.
Inside Steyn City
Visitors looking for the most exclusive experience can stay inside the estate itself.
The Steyn City Hotel by Saxon offers luxury accommodation overlooking the estate’s lagoon and golf course, making it one of the closest options to the tournament grounds.
Waterfall City and Midrand
Just a short drive from Steyn City, Waterfall City has become one of Gauteng’s fastest-growing lifestyle hubs.
Popular accommodation options include:
- City Lodge Hotel Waterfall City
- Courtyard Hotel Waterfall City
- Premier Hotel Midrand
These hotels offer easy access to both the golf estate and nearby shopping and dining at Mall of Africa.
Fourways and Montecasino
Fourways also provides convenient accommodation within driving distance of Steyn City.
Hotels around Montecasino include:
- Piazza Hotel Montecasino
- Indaba Hotel and Conference Centre
These locations place visitors close to nightlife, entertainment venues and restaurants.
Best Restaurants Near Steyn City
Johannesburg’s northern suburbs are known for their diverse dining scene, offering everything from casual cafés to high-end restaurants.
Dining Inside Steyn City
For those staying inside the estate, several restaurants provide convenient options.
Popular venues include:
- Guild Restaurant, known for contemporary dining
- Nineteen, which overlooks the golf course
- Café del Sol, a well-known Italian restaurant within the estate
Nearby Dining in Waterfall and Fourways
Just outside Steyn City, several dining hubs attract visitors during major events.
Options include:
- Tasha’s at Mall of Africa, a popular all-day café
- Fireroom Mall of Africa, known for sushi and grill dishes
- Kream Restaurant, offering modern South African cuisine
- Doppio Zero Waterfall, a relaxed Italian-style restaurant
These venues are often busy during major events and weekend evenings.
What to Do After the Golf
Once play finishes for the day, visitors often explore entertainment venues across Johannesburg’s northern suburbs.
Montecasino Entertainment Complex
Montecasino remains one of the region’s busiest entertainment destinations.
Visitors can find:
- theatres and live shows
- casino gaming floors
- restaurants and bars
- cinemas and nightlife venues
The complex is located approximately 20 minutes from Steyn City.
Mall of Africa
Located in nearby Waterfall City, Mall of Africa is one of the largest shopping centres in South Africa.
Visitors can explore:
- international fashion brands
- rooftop dining areas
- cafés and dessert bars
- entertainment venues
For many visitors, it becomes a convenient stop after a day at the tournament.
Turn the Tournament Into a Gauteng Weekend
For visitors staying longer, Gauteng offers several attractions within driving distance of Steyn City.
Popular options include:
Soweto Cultural Experience
Vilakazi Street in Soweto is known for its historical significance and vibrant restaurant scene. It remains one of Johannesburg’s most visited cultural destinations.
Cradle of Humankind
Located about an hour from Steyn City, the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site offers guided tours, museums and fossil exhibitions exploring human origins.
Lion and Safari Park
Families travelling with children often visit the Lion and Safari Park, which offers wildlife viewing experiences just north of Johannesburg.
What This Means for Gauteng Residents
Major international sporting events often bring economic activity and international attention to the province.
The arrival of LIV Golf highlights Gauteng’s ability to host large scale global tournaments while showcasing the region’s hospitality, tourism and entertainment industries.
Local businesses in hospitality, transport, food service and retail frequently experience increased demand during high-profile events.
Tourism officials have previously noted that visitors attending international sporting events often return to explore other destinations in the province.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is LIV Golf South Africa taking place?
The tournament is scheduled to take place from 19 to 22 March 2026 at Steyn City in Johannesburg.
Where is Steyn City located?
Steyn City is located north of Sandton between Fourways and Midrand in Gauteng.
How far is Steyn City from Sandton?
The estate is approximately 30 minutes from Sandton, depending on traffic.
Are there restaurants inside Steyn City?
Yes. Several restaurants operate inside the estate, including Guild Restaurant, Nineteen, and Café del Sol.
What other attractions are near Steyn City?
Nearby attractions include Montecasino, Mall of Africa, Soweto, and the Cradle of Humankind.
What Happens Next
As LIV Golf prepares to tee off in Johannesburg, organisers expect thousands of spectators to attend across the tournament weekend.
For Gauteng, the event represents another opportunity to showcase the province’s sporting venues, hospitality sector, and tourism attractions to both local and international audiences.
For visitors arriving in the city, the tournament may be the headline attraction, but the surrounding neighbourhoods offer plenty of reasons to stay a little longer.
