LIV Golf, the emerging golf tour, is considering a significant expansion by following the model of the PGA Tour in purchasing and owning golf courses. This move is part of the vision of LIV Golf CEO Greg Norman, who aims to create a network of golf courses similar to the Tournament Players Club (TPC) network owned by the PGA Tour.
The PGA Tour currently owns and operates 38 golf courses across its TPC network. These courses have been the venues for various PGA Tour events, with some open to the public and others private. One of the most famous TPC courses is TPC Sawgrass, which hosts The Players Championship annually.
Norman envisions each LIV Golf team having its own home venue and hosting events. He also sees an opportunity to expand beyond golf, bringing in education, hospitality, real estate, merchandise, and management to create a more comprehensive experience for the community or region.
With 13 teams and a 14-event schedule, each LIV Golf team could potentially purchase a golf course and host one event each year. For example, Rippers GC, an Australian team, could consider acquiring The Grange Golf Club in Adelaide, the venue for LIV Golf’s successful events in recent years.
Norman also expressed the desire to bring LIV Golf events to more countries, with the Philippines showing interest in hosting such an event. He emphasized the broader appeal of LIV Golf, not just as a sports competition but as a blend of sports, entertainment, and culture.
The current LIV Golf event is hosted at the Sentosa Golf Club in Singapore, with professional golfer Brooks Koepka leading the competition.
Despite the enthusiasm and positive reception of LIV Golf, Norman acknowledged that there are challenges and resistance from some quarters. However, he emphasized the injection of capital into the sport and the growing recognition of golf as an asset class.
As LIV Golf continues to make strides in the world of golf, the prospect of owning and operating a network of golf courses adds a new dimension to the tour’s expansion and long-term vision.
About the Author:
Jack Milko is a golf staff writer for SB Nation’s Playing Through. For more golf coverage, you can follow him on Twitter @jack_milko and check out @_PlayingThrough.