The former US Open champion and eight-time winner on the PGA Tour joins the likes of Dustin Johnson and Phil Mickelson in switching to the breakaway Saudi-backed series.

The PGA Tour confirmed on Thursday that all players currently playing at the opening event in St Albans this week and any who play in future events are indefinitely suspended.

“Bryson DeChambeau is an exciting addition to LIV Golf’s supercharged style of play. He is passionate about the sport, innovative in his approach and committed to pushing the boundaries in pursuit of excellence,” said LIV Golf CEO Greg Norman upon the announcement.

Schwartzel and Du Plessis make comfortable birdies, cutting down the par five 13th.

They edge ahead of the chasing pack.

It could be a straight shoot-out between the South Africans in the third and final round.

Dustin Johnson has quietly snuck up on the leaders, he’s -2 and just four behind Schwartzel.

Schwartzel -6 and two clear, he has a chance at an eagle though on 13.

Du Plessis, after an astonishing 380-yard drive, which leaves him with just 169 yards into the par five.

For comparison, Schwartzel had 245 yards.

Mickelson is +3 and a chance to get one back agonisingly burns the lip of the hole.

Team competition update: Stinger leads at -10, five shots clear of Majesticks and Crushers. While 4 Aces are -4 and Hy Flyers -3.

Dustin Johnson on the 15th, a fairway wood to about six feet, landing softly, it's a chance to move to -2, which could be massive in the context of the tournament with just 24 holes remaining.

Schwartzel now -7 and three clear of Du Plessis.

Uihlein is a further shot back on -3.

Bekker is -2, with Horsfield and Larrazabal on -1 as the last players under par.

Schwartzel is -6 and three clear of Du Plessis, whose approach on nine flirts with the greenside bunker, landing safely on the fringe.

Uihlein is third on his own at -2, while Horsfield and Vincent are tied for fourth on -1.