I am a golf purist through and through. I love the pomp and ceremony of golf and dare I say it, I kind of like the fussiness of all the silly rules that comes with your typical PGA style golf games and competitions. With that in mind, brace yourselves. I recently had the pleasure of visiting the LIV Golf tournament at the respected JCB course in Uttoxeter and you know what, I loved it and fell in love with LIV Golf.
Getting the real fan experience and not using the LIV Golf media pass
GolfTimes is now an accredited media member of both the LIV Golf and PGA flavours of golf. That means we are fortunate enough to get media passes for the majority of the tournaments that we apply for. We are extremely grateful for this and don’t take it lightly.
I had started to notice at recent events (across both formats) that the media areas are maybe a bit sheltered from what really goes on across a large golf tournament so I took up an offer of a free ticket in the muggle section. What a revelation. The majestic JCB course in Uttoxeter was my first experience of LIV Golf and I have to say, I loved it. LIV Golf is running a slick and very tight ship and it made me realise that there is a place in golf for both formats of the sport to live harmoniously and dare I say, the PGA could take a few pointers from what LIV Golf is doing.
The Raw and Brutal History of LIV Golf v the PGA
We have to start with a bit of narrative about the war between the two groups. The sport we know and love has been embroiled in a historic battle between the PGA Tour, the long-standing stalwart of professional golf, and the new kid on the block, LIV Golf. This clash of titans has seen more drama than a soap opera—players switching sides, hefty sums of money flying around, and heated debates over tradition versus innovation. But here’s the kicker: it’s not all doom and gloom. In fact, LIV Golf might just be the best thing to happen to the sport in decades.
Now, before you scoff and reach for your wood-shafted driver and plus fours in protest, let’s take a moment to explore the good that LIV Golf is bringing to the game. Because, believe it or not, it’s not just about shaking up the establishment—it’s about making golf fun again. And that’s something we can all get behind. Whether you’re a die-hard traditionalist or someone who’s just starting to appreciate the sport, there’s plenty to love about what LIV Golf is doing.
Here are a pick of my favourite things about LIV Golf.
A New Kind of Golf Event: Fun with a Capital F
If you’ve ever been to a traditional PGA event, you’ll know that “stuffy” is often the word of the day. Polite claps, hushed whispers, and the occasional “Fore!” are all part of the package. But LIV Golf is turning that on its head with events that are, quite frankly, a blast. Picture this: DJs spinning tracks, fans encouraged to make noise, and a general atmosphere that’s more music festival than country club. It’s golf, but with a pulse.
LIV events are proving that the sport can be both entertaining and competitive. The players are still world-class, the shots are still jaw-dropping, but the vibe? Well, it’s something else entirely. This shift towards a more laid-back approach is making golf more accessible to a broader audience, and honestly, who can argue with that? By blending high-level competition with a party atmosphere, LIV Golf is creating a space where serious fans and casual viewers can come together and enjoy the game. It’s breaking down barriers and showing that golf can be as inclusive as it is elite.
Bryson DeChambeau: The Rebirth of a Golf Superstar – I am here for it
Remember the old Bryson DeChambeau? The one who seemed to have a perpetual chip on his shoulder and a never-ending list of feuds? Well, that Bryson is gone, and in his place is a golfer who’s relaxed, fun-loving, and, dare we say it, downright likeable. Since joining LIV Golf, DeChambeau has undergone a transformation that’s nothing short of miraculous.
Gone are the days of bickering with other players or obsessing over the minutiae of his swing. Instead, we have a Bryson who’s smiling, cracking jokes, and winning fans over by the dozen. His newfound joie de vivre hasn’t gone unnoticed, either—he’s now so popular that even former President Donald Trump wants to be seen on the course with him. It’s a reminder that when players are happy, the game is better for everyone. DeChambeau’s evolution is a testament to what can happen when the pressures of a rigid system are lifted. He’s playing the best golf of his life, and more importantly, he’s enjoying every minute of it. And isn’t that what sport should be all about?
Yes, we know the epsom salts thing is weird, look past that, he is happy.
Coexistence: The PGA and LIV Golf Can Thrive Together
For those worried that LIV Golf is here to destroy the PGA, fear not. What we’re seeing instead is the possibility that two formats of golf can not only coexist but actually thrive together. The PGA Tour still holds a valuable place at the top of the golfing hierarchy, but it’s no longer the be-all and end-all. LIV Golf has introduced a fresh, exciting alternative that complements rather than competes.
This dual existence is shaking up the status quo in a good way, challenging the PGA to innovate and adapt while offering fans more choice. Whether you prefer the tradition and prestige of the PGA or the fun and flair of LIV, there’s something for everyone in today’s golfing landscape. And that’s a win for the sport.
The presence of LIV Golf is pushing the PGA to re-evaluate its approach, leading to more engaging tournaments, better fan experiences, and a broader appeal for golf as a whole. The competition between these two tours is driving the kind of innovation that can only benefit the game and its followers.
LIV Golf Gives A Boost for Challenger Golf Brands
The rise of LIV Golf has also been a boon for challenger brands looking to make their mark in the golfing world. With its relaxed, anything-goes atmosphere, LIV has become a playground for new golf brands to gain exposure and win market share. Gone are the days when only the most established names could get a foothold in the sport.
This democratization of golf marketing is good news for innovation and diversity within the industry. As more brands get a chance to showcase their products and connect with a broader audience, we’re likely to see even more exciting developments in golf gear and technology. And who doesn’t love the idea of more options when it comes to choosing their next set of clubs or stylish golf attire?
By opening the doors to new and smaller brands, LIV Golf is fostering a marketplace where creativity and competition thrive. This, in turn, leads to better products for golfers and a richer, more dynamic industry overall.
The Feel-Good Factor
At the end of the day, perhaps the greatest thing LIV Golf has brought to the table is the feel-good factor. It’s injected a dose of fun into a sport that can sometimes take itself a bit too seriously. From the energy of the crowds to the smiles on the players’ faces, there’s a sense of joy that’s palpable at every LIV event.
This positive vibe is infectious, drawing in not just hardcore golf fans but also casual viewers and newcomers to the sport. By making golf more enjoyable for everyone, LIV Golf is helping to grow the game in ways that the PGA might never have dreamed of. And for that, it deserves a hearty round of applause.
The ripple effects of this feel-good factor extend beyond the events themselves, influencing how people perceive and engage with the sport. Golf is becoming something people talk about at the pub or on social media, not just something that’s confined to the golf course or the TV screen.
Dare I say that LIV Golf is the reason why so many youngsters are rushing towards the game. LIV Golf is all over TikTok and inspiring a new generation. The PGA, if it was on social media, would probably still be on MySpace. There is nothing wrong with that, I loved Tom from MySpace and I love the PGA.
Final Thought; Let’s Embracing the Change
So, as we navigate this brave new world of professional golf, it’s worth taking a moment to appreciate what LIV Golf has brought to the table. It’s shaken things up, sure, but it’s also brought a lot of positives that are hard to ignore. From making golf more fun and accessible to giving players like Bryson DeChambeau a new lease on life, there’s plenty to celebrate.
In the end, golf is a game, and games are meant to be fun. LIV Golf is reminding us of that simple truth, and for that, we should all be thankful. So, let’s keep an open mind, enjoy the ride, and see where this exciting chapter in golf history takes us. The future of golf is looking bright, with more variety, more excitement, and more ways for everyone to get involved. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a curious newbie, there’s never been a better time to be a part of the golfing world.
*all pictures courtesy of LIV Golf press office
