LIV Golf, First Impression

"Golf, but louder." - LIV Golf

Reluctance

I have been reluctant to view LIV Golf, not because of the golf, but because for me, it

was all political. What the Saudis did to the reporter a few years back was just unconscionable. I could not bring myself to watch LIV Golf when it first started. The reality of this world in which we live, at times have us make decisions contrary to our original position. After the event, the Saudis were in discussions to invest heavily in the purchasing of arms from the United States. I do not know the outcome of those discussions. Saudi Arabia has a longstanding security relationship with the United States, therefore, remains an ally. An ally in the Middle East is a critical relationship to maintain. I support the relationship; I am now happy to view LIV Golf.

Saudi Arabia & PIF

PIF has invested heavily in all sports around the globe, people call it sports washing. Whatever it is, it is commerce, the Saudis have serious funds to invest heavily in all areas of the economy. An economy that is global, it affects everyone, as an individual or nation, we make decisions to support ourselves. I have my own views some rational, some not, regardless we all live by the decisions we make. Golf is not exempt from the global economy of which Saudi Arabia’s PIF is part.

LIV Golf Players

Today I chose to watch the final round of the season ending Individual Liv Golf Championship held in Chicago and broadcast on YouTube. I must admit to enjoying being able to view the top golfers on the planet. Jon Rahm, Brooks Koepka, Joaquin Niemann, Sergio Garcia, Bryson DeChambeau, and Harold Varner lll.

The finish was drama filled enough to hold my interest. TV graphics were different but okay. Tracking the teams was too unfamiliar for me to be interested in. All I know is that there are 13 teams of 4. Next weekend there will be a playoff between the teams to find out who is top dog. LIV Golf normally has a shotgun start; it will be interesting to see for myself, the level of interest the team event will generate.

YouTube

YouTube has various broadcast arrangements in different countries with LIV Golf. New Zealand gets it streamed which is how I got it. An arrangement with YouTube will help in creating a larger LIV audience. With any business, even with as much money that PIF has, at the end of the day the business must make profit. YouTube or some other traditional broadcaster will help provide a return to PIF. Their pockets are deep, PIF can afford to play the patience game.

Prize Money

There is so much money now in golf because of LIV, the PGA have had to increase prize money available for players on their tour. Winner Jon Rahm of the Chicago event will receive $18 million, while for second place Joaquin Niemann will receive $4 million. On average Jon Rahm has pocketed $1 million for every LIV event he played in this year. Scottie Scheffler of the PGA Tour earned $25 million for winning the FedEx playoffs, he has total earnings for the season, $62.2 million.

Relegation

What is also interesting is the relegation. Four players will be removed from the playing roster for next season. Bubba Watson is the biggest loser in the relegation. Kalle Samooja, who had a lead over Pat Perez, had two bogeys in the last few holes. Those bogeys were costly for Samooja, Perez who was likely to be relegated, instead found himself safe and gets to play next season.

My Impression

My overall impression, I found LIV Golf a different but entertaining, it was worth my time watching. I also think LIV’s strategy was to cater to the social media generation. It is only 54 holes, placing real value on its entertainment package. LIV have looked to the future. The PGA Tour can learn from LIV, by considering how the younger generations desire to be entertained.

If YouTube has not already locked in a longer broadcast contract, another broadcaster will eventually step in to fill the gap. The prize giving ceremony is impressive, using a stage with fireworks and razzmatazz. Commentators and interviewers made an impression. Interviews were short but informative, I did notice the interviewers, two male and one female were of Asian and African dissent. By accident or design, it indicates inclusiveness by LIV.

An Edge

In some ways, although entertaining, LIV Golf lacked an edge. It has to do with the appearance of casualness exhibited, from the players to the hosts, and interviewers. If Liv held one or two events that were of the status of a major, where anybody from any tour could qualify, I think that would certainly add to the prestige of Liv. Not to change their formula, it is a good formula, but to add competitiveness within the entire golfing world.

Congratulations to Jon Rahm, a worthy champion deserving of the rewards he has gained. I enjoyed his comment that he is looking forward to getting home to be able to take his kids to school. The post roundup show, Club 54, broadcast immediately after the event is a particularly good added feature.

LIV Golf & The PGA Tour

Will I watch live golf next season? Absolutely, it is an entertainment package I enjoyed. Liv Golf Is here to stay. The PGA Tour is also here to stay. The two tours should keep apart, each tour has their own attractions, but they must agree to a few combined events throughout the season. The audience can watch the best players on the planet no matter to which tour they belong. This way both tours will remain viable, increase audiences for both, and retain viewership for the great sport of golf. Ensuring the future of both golf tours.