When Greg Norman first unveiled LIV Golf, he made a promise! To bring a new era of excitement and economic growth to the communities hosting its events. “When we started LIV Golf, our mission was to change the game of golf for the better—to innovate and make the game we love more diverse and attractive to a broader, younger, more international audience,” said Norman. Now, as LIV Golf UK is underway at the JCB Golf & Country Club, it’s evident that Greg Norman’s vision is taking shape.

The throngs of fans pouring in are sending shockwaves of excitement through the local economy, sparking a surge in sales and a buzz of anticipation. The air is crackling with energy as the UK’s passionate golf enthusiasts live up to their reputation, creating an unstoppable wave of enthusiasm that’s impossible to ignore! An X user shared what it actually looked like on the ground, hours before the shotgun started. 

With over 35,000 fans expected to attend the three-day tournament, the local economy is set to receive a significant boost. Hotels and B&Bs are fully booked, and local hospitality businesses are thriving. But that’s not all—the event is also bringing in international visitors, filling up self-catering cottages, and providing a welcome surge in bookings for locals like Gill Brown, owner of Windy Arbour Farm. 

Notably, JCB Golf & Country Club Director and General Manager Chris Bentley acknowledged the much-anticipated event, saying, “The tournament will not only be a fantastic showcase for Staffordshire but help us achieve our goal of becoming a world-class facility renowned for golf and hospitality. We are also delighted that this is creating a boost for the local economy right at the start of the summer holiday season in the towns and villages immediately surrounding JCB as well as further afield.”

As the pieces fall into place, it’s clear that LIV Golf is having a profound impact on the local community. New revenue streams are emerging, the area is buzzing with excitement, and Staffordshire is being showcased at a global gathering. As the tournament gets underway, it’s evident that Greg Norman’s vision is not only changing the game of golf but also making a tangible difference in the communities that host LIV Golf events. 

How has Greg Norman led LIV Golf to drive economic growth in communities?

As LIV Golf’s impact reverberates throughout the communities it touches, the numbers tell a remarkable story. In 2023, at LIV Adelaide, 77,076 fans flocked to the venue, injecting $65 million into the South Australian economy. The 2024 tournament was expected to draw even larger crowds, and it did so with a new record. As per LIV Golf media, more than 94,000 golf enthusiasts attended its return to Adelaide. But it’s not just about the dollars and cents; it’s about the people.

In the US, LIV Golf’s events drew in visitors from far and wide, with 31% traveling from outside the host city. That’s thousands of people experiencing new places, meeting new faces, and creating memories that last a lifetime. And then there’s the lodging impact: 61,595 hotel room nights booked and $15.5 million in revenue across eight events. That’s local businesses thriving, jobs created, and a boost to the local tax base.

But what really sets the new circuit apart is its ability to bring people together. From the electric atmosphere at the venue cities to the global audience tuning in, LIV Golf is more than just a game; it’s a community. And as the numbers continue to grow, so does the impact.