Greg Norman, South Australia Premier Peter Malinauskas and LIV Golf chief executive Scott O’Neil at the announcement of the state extending its term as LIV Golf host in Australia. Image courtesy LIV Golf.
By Rahul Banerji
LIV Golf and the South Australian government on Sunday announced that Adelaide would continue to host LIV Golf in Australia with an extension agreement on hosting rights till 2031.
The declaration came at start of play at the Grange’s par 3 no. 12 Watering Hole, with South Australia Premier Peter Malinauskas, LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil, and LIV Golf board member Greg Norman delivering the news together.
Meanwhile, across the globe, Ludvig Aberg won his second PGA Tour title, at the Tiger Woods-hosted $20 million Genesis International in California, also on Sunday.
The Swede, who was unwell earlier in the week but decided to play at Torrey Pines, beat out Maverick McNealy by a shot, while world number one Scottie Scheffler was tied for third a further two strokes behind the winner.
At Adelaide, O’Neil, who replaced Norman as head of LIV Golf late last year, said, “This event is the embodiment of what LIV Golf represents: the biggest stars, the best courses, unmatched experiences, and of course, the best fans in the world.
“Thank you to Premier Peter Malinauskas for his leadership and commitment to LIV Golf for the long term. LIV Golf Adelaide is our showcase and brings the vision for all our events across the globe to life.
“We couldn’t be more thrilled to honour what this community has helped us build over the last three years through a partnership that will take it to even greater heights for years to come.”
New development
In collaboration with the Adelaide City Council, the SA government also said Norman would redesign the North Adelaide Golf Course which would then become the host venue for future LIV Golf events.
The redevelopment would accommodate the continued growth of LIV Golf Adelaide, including a new 18-hole championship course, new driving range and practice facilities, and space for temporary tournament infrastructure, LIV Golf said.
“I’ve dreamed of building a global golf league for 30 years,” said Norman.
“LIV Golf Adelaide is the realisation of what LIV Golf can be around the world. I want to thank Premier Peter Malinauskas, a friend and an incredible leader for South Australia.
“What LIV Golf has built has never been done before, changing the sport for the better while having a lasting impact on communities like Adelaide. I’m honoured to design a world-class course that will benefit current and future generations here in Australia.”
The tournament has paid dividends for South Australia, already contributing A$136 million in its first two years to the state’s economy and bringing in visitors from far and wide.
Setting the bar
Named World’s Best Golf Event at the World Golf Awards two years in a row, Adelaide has set the benchmark for delivering world-class golf within a festival atmosphere, with first-class hospitality, family-friendly activities and headline concerts, a LIV statement said.
Said Malinauskas: “LIV Golf has brought significant global attention to South Australia – and I am delighted to confirm that we have secured the rights to host LIV Golf in Adelaide until 2031.
“But more than that, I’m thrilled that we will deliver something truly unique – world golf on the doorstep of one of the world’s most beautiful cities.”
The all-Australian Ripper GC team were at hand to welcome the news. Said team captain Cameron Smith, “We all love coming down here.
“It’s kind of the middle of the country. Everyone travels here, and they’ve got a really good thing going, so it’s exciting for it to just keep coming down here, keep being better and better every year.”
Added teammate Matt Jones: “I just think it speaks volumes for the state, the support they’ve got here from Peter Malinauskas and the fans that come here and travel here, the way it’s received.”
Aberg’s hot run
Ludvig Aberg with Genesis Invitational host Tiger Woods with his tournament trophy at Torrey Pines on Sunday. Image courtesy PGA Tour/Getty Images.
Åberg, whose bid to win at the Farmers Insurance Open three weeks ago was derailed by illness, birdied holes 13, 14 and 15 and two-putted the par-5 18th hole for birdie and a final-round 66 to edge McNealy by one.
“It is hard winning on the PGA Tour, they’re the best players in the world,” Aberg said.
“It’s very reassuring to know that I can sort of go from where I was a couple weeks ago to winning a tournament in sort of a quick turnaround.
“Was nice to come here starting to feel like myself again and physically getting there. It means a lot. This is the best feeling in golf, and to be able to do what I did today is definitely going to help me going forward in the future.”
“It was a great fight,” Åberg, who earned $4 million for the win, added. “I’m really proud of the way I finished. It was really cool.”
Torrey Pines was a late replacement venue from Riviera because of the fires that have devastated Los Angeles.
Also read: Neimann claims Adelaide win, Fireballs put in a late burst
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