Feb 11 • 19:09 UTC 🇦🇺 Australia ABC News AU

How Adelaide became a shining light for Saudi-backed golf

Adelaide is becoming known as a vibrant hub for Saudi Arabia's LIV Golf events, contrasting with quieter tournaments elsewhere.

Adelaide has emerged as a prominent venue for Saudi Arabia's LIV Golf events, showcasing a raucous atmosphere that attracts significant crowds. The Grange Golf Club, hosting its LIV Golf tournament, features elaborate spectator stands and hospitality options, creating a festive environment unlike other Asian tournaments where attendance is low and the vibe is subdued. Such developments are part of LIV Golf's strategy to create an appealing image, illustrating that golf can be excitement-filled and accessible to a broader audience.

The project in Adelaide not only emphasizes enjoyment and entertainment but also serves as a crucial marketing strategy for the Saudi-backed initiative. By offering luxurious amenities like the "BYD Shark Shack" and an all-inclusive Beach Club, LIV Golf aims to enhance the visitor experience and encourage larger crowds that could attract sponsorship and media attention. This contrasts sharply with the quieter scene in Saudi Arabia, making Adelaide a vital testing ground for future LIV Golf events.

The success of this weekend's event is indicative of a larger shift in the sports landscape where Saudi investments are seeking to reshape the perception of golf and potentially influence the broader sporting culture. By establishing Adelaide as a "sports utopia", LIV Golf could redefine how such global sporting events are conducted and present an alternative narrative that involves more fan interaction and celebration, which may influence future tournament organization strategies worldwide.

📡 Similar Coverage