Golf’s greatest rivalry has just heated up! LIV Golf UK delivers a stunning blow to the PGA Tour ahead of the 3M Open, and the implications are clear: the new kid on the block has become a force to be reckoned with. Taking place July 26-28 at the stunning JCB Golf & Country Club, LIV’s innovative approach and star-studded roster including Bryson DeChambeau, Phil Mickelson, and British golfer Lee Westwood are attracting fans and attention likewise. 

“All grounds passes for LIV Golf UK at the JCB Club have sold out and there’s only limited hospitality still available. The UK event has grown significantly over the last 2 years. I’m very interested to see what the crowd and build out looks like in person,” Flushing It posted on X, indicating the hype LIV Golf events have garnished outside of the US. The UK event has sold out all tickets, and full three-day passes, be it the ground or premium hospitality.

But while LIV Golf is basking in the glory of a sold-out event, the PGA Tour’s 3M Open, starting on July 25, is struggling to capture the same level of excitement. Tickets are still available, starkly contrasting LIV Golf’s sold-out success. Perhaps the grueling conditions at the recent Open Championship have left top PGA Tour players like Open champ Xander Schauffele, and Scottie Scheffler weary. The crowd is feeling the fatigue too. 

Whatever the reason, the 3M Open has failed to generate the buzz so far, leaving LIV Golf to steal the spotlight once again. It came up as a significant blow to the Jay Monahan-led PGA Tour, which is struggling to maintain its grip on the golf world, with its viewership woes. The unexpected victory for Greg Norman & Co. continues to make waves in the golf world, as its recent events have demonstrated a clear ability to draw worldwide attention. 

LIV Golf’s quest for global supremacy

While LIV stopped reporting TV ratings due to viewership woes, its 2024 season got off to a scorching start back in February. LIV Mayakoba had a record-breaking viewership with a thrilling Sunday finale drawing in a whopping 432,000 viewers on CW, a significant 100,000 boost from last year’s numbers. Mayakoba’s Sunday audience nearly tripled its Saturday viewership, despite facing stiff competition from the Tour.

LIV Golf is revolutionizing the golf landscape by expanding its reach beyond the traditional strongholds of the PGA Tour. The presence of superstars like Bryson DeChambeau, the U.S. Open champion, has been a huge draw. His appearance at LIV Golf Nashville, for instance, smashed attendance records, with 40,000 fans flocking to the event over three days.

While the PGA Tour remains largely focused on the American market, LIV Golf is actively cultivating a global presence. In a bid to further boost its popularity, it’s also collaborating with celebrities and athletes from other sports. The presence of former Real Madrid star Gareth Bale at LIV Golf’s events has generated significant buzz, attracting a new and diverse audience to the sport. 

By pushing the boundaries of traditional golf, the breakaway league is making the sport more accessible and enjoyable for all. With its fresh perspective and global appeal, LIV Golf is attracting a new generation of fans and players, threatening the PGA Tour’s grip on the sport.