The upcoming return of the LIV golf event to Adelaide next week has generated significant excitement amongst the Australian crowd. The South Australian capital has established itself as a thriving location for the tour, with its popularity showing no signs of waning despite ethical concerns related to the tour’s Saudi backers.
LIV has effectively garnered the support of Australian officials, players, and spectators, setting a model for the tour, particularly amidst the challenges of the planned merger with the PGA Tour. The 2024 event is poised to be an impactful occasion.
The event is currently operating under an existing deal with South Australia, encompassing this year’s event and two additional ones. Premier Peter Malinauskas has commended its success while acknowledging the ethical controversies associated with LIV. He views the event as a pivotal moment for global recognition of LIV Golf, reflecting the state’s trust and support.
Public debate surrounding Saudi Arabia’s human rights record, which has propelled LIV’s rapid rise through the country’s Public Investment Fund, has diminished in South Australia. Nonetheless, voices of opposition to the event are still present. Liberal opposition leader David Speirs remains opposed to the event and has criticized Malinauskas for hosting it due to its ties to Saudi Arabia.
Despite this opposition, many Australians view LIV’s presence as a positive asset to the sport. James Sutherland, chief executive of Golf Australia, emphasized that Australia’s perception of LIV differs from other regions, enjoying a more tempered outlook compared to the US.
The appeal of LIV in Adelaide stems from its ability to attract an impressive array of golfing talent to Australia’s fifth-largest city. Last year, 77,000 tickets were sold, nearly doubling the expected attendance of LIV’s next most popular event.
Despite LIV’s seemingly limitless financial resources, the hosting of the event was financially backed by the taxpayers of South Australia. The exact amount remains undisclosed, and detailed information about the deal has not been provided by the government.
Last year’s event in Adelaide was orchestrated by LIV’s operating partner, Performance 54, with the assistance of over 700 unpaid volunteers. Similar efforts are ongoing this year as well.
LIV has reportedly provided substantial site fees to clubs in the US to host the tournament, yet no similar benefit has been extended to the Grange Golf Club, the Australian host. Financial results from the club show no specific revenue increases attributed to LIV, with the most significant unexplained growth being a $350,000 surge in “sundry income”.
However, the general manager of the course, Barry Linke, underscored the multifaceted benefits of hosting the event, despite the confidentiality of the agreement with LIV.
The Grange’s selection as LIV’s Australian host in late 2022 was not entirely unforeseen, given that one of its two courses is designed by LIV commissioner Greg Norman. The club reported an 86% satisfaction rate among its members with LIV’s event, despite the impacts on course access.
As the event approaches, the lingering influence of Saudi Arabia remains an unresolved issue. Despite ongoing debates and concerns about the source of LIV’s wealth, many in South Australia appear more focused on the event’s impact on the local golf community rather than its ethical implications.
While the debate over LIV’s ethical concerns may persist, the palpable excitement surrounding the event is difficult to ignore. On 26th April, it is apparent that the allure of LIV will once again take centre stage in Adelaide.