South African · Johannesburg, South Africa · Born 31 August 1984A South African golfer who won the 2011 Masters and has had a steady career on the European and PGA Tours, now on LIV Golf.
Charl Adriaan Schwartzel was born on 31 August 1984 in Johannesburg, South Africa, and represented his country on the victorious World Junior Team Championship squad in 2000 alongside future Masters rival and LIV Golf captain Louis Oosthuizen. Schwartzel turned professional in 2002 at 18, becoming the second-youngest South African ever to earn a European Tour card, and won the Sunshine Tour's Order of Merit money title three consecutive years between 2005 and 2007 before establishing himself internationally. Schwartzel delivered the finest achievement of his career at the 2011 Masters, becoming the first player in tournament history to birdie the final four holes to win, overturning a four-shot deficit for a two-stroke victory that made him the third South African champion at Augusta. Schwartzel became the first-ever winner of a LIV Golf event at the series' inaugural tournament in London in June 2022, and has continued competing on the Asian and Sunshine Tours, remaining one of South Africa's most accomplished modern golfers with 16 professional victories to his name.
Dramatic 2011 Masters win with four closing birdies
How They Played
Aggressive driver with strong short game
Lasting Impact
First South African to win the Masters Tournament
Career Honours
- Masters Tournament 2011
- six-time European Tour winner
- four Presidents Cup appearances
South African Athletes