Staff WriterCharl Schwartzel, the man who once painted Augusta National green and gold with his 2011 Masters victory, is back on African soil with a mission that stretches well beyond his own scorecard.
This week, the South African major champion headlines the International Series Morocco — the fourth of 10 elevated Asian Tour events — taking place at the historic Red Course at Royal Golf Dar Es Salam in Rabat.
For Charl Schwartzel, it’s not just about chasing a long-awaited trophy — his last came at the inaugural LIV Golf Invitational London in 2022. It’s about planting seeds. Seeds of opportunity, of visibility, and perhaps most importantly, of belief for a new generation of African golfers.
“It is a fantastic opportunity for everyone,” Schwartzel said. “It is great to play in these International Series events for us (LIV Golf players), and it is even better for the guys playing for the opportunity (to get onto the LIV Golf League at the end of the season).”
The 40-year-old Stinger GC stalwart tees off in the tournament’s marquee group at 12:50 pm alongside defending champion Ben Campbell and Thailand’s Sadom Kaewkanjana. But while the world-class trio will draw attention, it’s the regional storylines that may leave a lasting legacy.
These International Series stops are more than just DP World Tour warm-ups with glossy branding — they’re part of a conscious global shuffle to showcase golf in regions often left off the golfing map.
“The whole thing about the Asian Tour and the International Series, and LIV Golf, is that they move around, and so we get to play various parts of the world and expose the game in these destinations. That offers a wonderful opportunity,” Schwartzel added.
This year, that opportunity began even before a single tee was pegged into Rabat’s firm turf. Two ADT (Asian Development Tour) events held in Marrakech served up a competitive pathway for local and regional players, allowing Morocco’s up-and-comers to mix it with the big names.
Schwartzel, always a thoughtful ambassador for the game, called it “an amazing opportunity for local players from Morocco. These tournaments offer a way to qualify to get into bigger events like this, which could potentially be life-changing. The experience is something that money cannot buy – the experience built up will serve the local players very well.”
One player grabbing that experience with both hands is Morocco’s own Ayoub Lguirati, a homegrown talent who’s rapidly become the face of North African golf. Lguirati, one of eight Moroccan players in the field, tees off at 8:00 am with South Africa’s Jaco Ahlers and Thailand’s David Boriboonsub and will be hoping to better the T28 finish he earned in the tournament’s debut in 2022.
But for Lguirati, it’s not about numbers on a leaderboard — it’s about momentum.
“The game is growing and it is very welcome,” Lguirati said. “The new generation is motivated, and the FRMG programmes are a tremendous help, down to the clear vision of His Royal Highness Prince Moulay Rachid.”
That vision, according to Lguirati, is already bearing fruit. “He has a vision to develop champions and elevate Morocco on the international stage, and with more support and world-class international tournaments like this, we can deliver and keep rising to the challenge.”
With his steady rise through regional ranks and experience competing against global fields, Lguirati knows exactly what it takes to break through.
“Stay disciplined and work hard every day. Nothing comes easy, but with hard work, everything is possible.”
That sentiment echoes the quiet determination of Charl Schwartzel himself — a player who knows the weight of representing a continent and the power of possibility when given the right platform.
This week, under Rabat’s sun, both men are doing far more than chasing birdies. They’re helping build a future where Africa’s next great golfer doesn’t just dream of the Masters — he expects to win it.
