LIV Golf Makes Financial Commitment to Golf Australia’s Junior Program

Greg Norman’s rebel LIV circuit has reached a surprising agreement with Golf Australia, pledging a financial contribution to a junior development initiative. Following a tumultuous period in men’s professional golf, Golf Australia has struck an unexpected deal with LIV Golf, which has infused substantial funds into launching a league featuring some of the world’s top players. Despite Norman’s past criticism of Australian authorities for not engaging with LIV, a development in South Australia has transpired.

Sources, speaking on the condition of anonymity due to lack of authorization, disclose that LIV and Cameron Smith‘s Ripper GC franchise will financially support My Golf, Australia’s official junior program designed to introduce children to golf. An official announcement is anticipated imminently.

Approximately 80,000 spectators are expected to attend LIV’s second Australian tournament commencing this Friday, with Golf Australia setting up an area at the event to promote the sport to youngsters while players like Smith, Jon Rahm, and Brooks Koepka vie for the largest prize purse ever offered in Australia. This move marks a step towards bridging the gap in the professional game that emerged when LIV premiered in 2022.

The two main events of the PGA of Australia, the Australian PGA and Australian Open, are both co-sanctioned by the DP World Tour, with local officials maintaining allegiance to the traditional circuits. Despite this, as participation rates continue to soar, Golf Australia, overseeing grassroots development independently from the PGA of Australia, is leveraging the opportunity to showcase the sport to the crowds flocking to Adelaide for the LIV tournament.

Earlier this week, Norman ruled out the possibility of Australia hosting a second annual LIV event, despite the success of the Adelaide tournament, which was named the top golf event globally in 2023. Norman stated, ‘I understood Australia’s value, its potential contribution to golf, and the areas in which Australia fell short. The fans clearly voiced their support last year and continue to do so.’

Last month, LIV withdrew its longstanding application for official world golf rankings recognition for the 54-hole events. Discussions between Saudi Arabia‘s Public Investment Fund, the backer of LIV, and the PGA Tour are ongoing to resolve the golf industry’s internal strife.

Australia’s newest LIV convert, Lucas Herbert, expressed his delight with the format after joining Smith’s franchise earlier this year. Herbert commented, ‘I’m thoroughly enjoying the new schedule, tour, and format. No regrets about joining, as it’s an incredibly exciting venture to be part of. Witnessing the camaraderie and team spirit firsthand has been a profound experience for me.’