Schwartzel takes commanding lead at LIV Golf opener as SA golfers shine in London

South Africa's Charl Schwartzel has taken a commanding three-shot lead following the second round of the LIV Invitational Golf opener at Centurion Club in London on Friday.

Schwartzel extended his overnight lead as he posted four-under to sit on top with nine-under and inch closer to the inaugural title and $4 million winner's cheque.

His compatriot and Stingers teammate Hennie du Plessis is three shots further back after his two-under second round, leaving him at six-under.

American Peter Uihlein is sole third on four-under, and South Africa's Oliver Bekker is fourth on three-under.

Only eight players are under par for the tournament so far.

Schwartzel and Du Plessis put their South African team, the Stingers, on top of the team leaderboard. The Stingers are led by Louis Oosthuizen (1-over), with Branden Grace (even par) also in the team that sits on 15-under.

The winning team will split $3 million.

LIV Invitational Golf series at Centurion Club leaderboard after Round 2:

1. Charl Schwartzel (South Africa): -9

2. Hennie Du Plessis (South Africa): -6

3. Peter Uihlein (American): -4

4. Ollie Bekker (South Africa): -3

5. Scott Vincent (Zimbabwe): -2

T6. Dustin Johnson (American) : -1

T6. Sam Horsfield (England): -1

T6. Phachara Khongwatmai (Thailand): -1

Supreme from #STINGERGC ??Can they be caught?#LIVGolf pic.twitter.com/6aepNML7ct