PGA Tour’s Legacy Is ‘5 Times’ More Than LIV Adelaide: Fans’ Cut Throat Verdict Halts the Australian Triumph

Although LIV Golf and PGA Tour look to bury the hatchet, some aren’t willing to go down so easily. One look at social media reveals the flames of rivalry burn high, despite LIV Golfers and PGA Tour pros calling for unification. Adelaide became the latest battleground as the LIV event in Down Under saw a massive crowd, unlike many events in the PGA Tour.

Moreover, Jay Monahan’s main headache is dwindling viewers. Arguably, a section of casual viewers have left or are leaving too soon. At a time when ‘golf-is-boring’ dominates the conversation, some saw the Adelaide model as the fine print of fixing the trouble. Others wanted to trade cautiously.

Golf but louder—a LIV Adelaide experience 

LIV Golf Adelaide witnessed record-breaking numbers this season. Per the Advertiser, the first round pulled 35,000 spectators. Cameron Smith talked about home-side advantage. That was evident in the opening round when fans flocked around the former Open champion.

It was also on the verge of a WMPO-like mishap at the watering hole. Lucas Herbert’s caddie was struck on the head by a bottle. Nick Pugh was okay, the Ripper GC star later confirmed. And he also pointed out that the crowd controlled themselves. Then, Bryson DeChambeau has to give away his socks after losing a putting contest.

Now, as the crowd grooved with DJ Fisher, some obvious comparisons with the PGA Tour came to the forefront. The Tour has been battling with ‘tournament fatigue’ among its fans. The viewership numbers have worsened year-on-year for most events. And, suddenly, Adelaide, which was dubbed as a blueprint for success by Greg Norman, was floated as a panacea.

Not everyone is of the same opinion, though. Many pointed out that while entertainment alongside golf is fine, at LIV Adelaide, the former takes center stage. Furthermore, some were even concerned that if every tournament follows this model, it stands to lose its unique identity and the core fanbase.

Fans argue if this is what the future should be

The tricky thing is that the falling PGA Tour numbers haven’t transformed into increased LIV Golf viewers. But netizens feel that if other LIV events follow this, it’s bound to draw a larger audience. One user gave a clarion call for change. “We need more things like this more often , capture and retain new golfers. Golf has to get away from old and stuffy.” A second person dubbed it the “future of golf.“

However, a section of the fans felt this was more about the concerts and partying than about the game. Also, many noted that the 16th at TPC Scottsdale witnessed more crowds. The cocktail of entertainment and golf is not Greg Norman’s patented innovation; some were quick to remind. “Obviously, it’s not about the golf. It’s about the party during and afterwards.” “Should be advertised as a festival that has a course in it.” “Won’t argue that…they’re certainly not in the golf business.” Comments in a similar vein were noticeable.

Others pointed out that everything in LIV Golf Adelaide is a cheap copy of the WMPO model. “Wow!! Where did they get a party hole and concert idea??? Innovation at its finest!! What’s next, an island green?” wrote one of them.“I went to a concert held along side a pga event about 10 years ago that had about 5 times that amount of people. Lol,” another was quick to point out.

Greg Norman wants to capitalize on Adelaide’s success. Last year, the LIV even pumped $65 million into the South Australian economy. 70,000 people were in attendance throughout the week. But this year’s number is slated to top that. The final round has started at 11.01 AM local time (9.01 PM ET).