Despite dealing with opposition from traditionalists and sparking a civil warfare inside the sport, the insurgent LIV Golf tour has been embraced by many in Australia, evidenced by tickets promoting out for the nation’s inaugural event this week.
Greg Norman, the tour boss, has long desired to see top-level golf turn into an everyday characteristic in his house country. Australia has experienced a lack of serious tournaments and elite gamers, primarily due to its remote location.
Although LIV’s controversial backing from Saudi money and its 54-hole no-cut format have been deemed gimmicky, Australian golf fanatics have seized the opportunity to witness main winners in action.
Dustin Johnson, Phil Mickelson, Brooks Koepka, and native hero and British Open champion Cameron Smith, will compete from Friday to Sunday at The Grange Golf Club in Adelaide. This will be the richest match ever witnessed on Australian soil, with a complete of US$20 million prize cash up for grabs for each individual and staff codecs.
Scientifically proven for tickets has resulted in floor passes for all three days selling out quickly, prompting organisers to launch additional tickets to accommodate the eager spectators.
For the first time since LIV’s inception and the next upheaval final year, the gates will be opened for paying followers to attend the Pro-Am, featuring all forty eight players on Thursday.
Norman, a two-time major winner who secured his first professional title at The Grange in 1976, said…
“Since the first day, we announced our league was coming to The Grange, the response and help from the folks of Australia has been overwhelming.”
According to reports, LIV Golf is contemplating a second occasion in Australia in 2024 to capitalise on demand, with rumours of a 3rd sooner or later.
Bubba Watson, a two-time Masters champion, believes there may be untapped potential in Australia as the circuit seeks to expand its attain past the United States, where interest in LIV has been more subdued. He said…
“When folks want us there (in Australia), then, yeah, we clearly wish to be there as many times as we can to make them happy. Nobody’s bad-mouthing us down there.”
Later this month, LIV will continue to Singapore, followed by Spain, England, and Saudi Arabia.
Although LIV has attracted renowned names with lucrative contracts, it has additionally generated conflict and authorized disputes with US and European golf authorities.
On the other hand, the smaller PGA Tour of Australia has respected the choice of Smith and different Australians who joined LIV, stating they’ll all the time be welcome to play on home soil.
However, not everyone appears to be pleased with LIV making its debut in Australia.
Rebekha Sharkie, an independent MP who represents the voters of Mayo situated south of Adelaide, said…
“I don’t suppose it’s a good have a glance at all.”
Critics accuse Saudi Arabia of “sportswashing” – utilising sport to deflect from its human rights document, including the murder and dismemberment of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in its Istanbul consulate in 2018.
Nonetheless, gamers are focusing on the positives LIV can deliver to Australian golf within the present and future.
Matt Jones, a two-time Australian Open winner, said…
“Australia has been starved for some real quality fields for golf tournaments for a protracted time, particularly the international players.”
Marc Leishman, another Australian golfer, added that a significant cause for becoming a member of LIV was the possibility of additional high-quality tournaments in his residence nation. He said…
“It’s a big part, amongst different reasons, why a lot of us guys came visiting, to have the ability to take golf again to Australia, spend extra time here.”