In an epic moment of golf history, LIV Golf CEO, Scott O’Neil, found himself on the receiving end of a dramatic reaction from golfing superstar, Sergio Garcia. During the Pro-Am at LIV Adelaide, O’Neil’s not-so-stellar shot was met with an exaggerated show of disappointment from Garcia. The incident, which O’Neil recalled with infectious laughter on the Girl Dad Podcast, offers a glimpse into the lighter side of a sport that’s often seen as serious and stoic.
The Pro-Am at LIV Adelaide was a landmark event not only for its amusing incidents but also for its record-breaking turnout. A whopping 102,483 fans flocked to The Grange Golf Club over a three-day period, injecting an impressive $71.1 million into South Australia’s economy. The event was a major victory for the Saudi-backed league as it squares off with the PGA Tour in a battle for viewership.
Despite a less than stellar start with only 12,000 viewers tuning in for the season opener in Riyadh on FOX Sports 2, LIV Golf is gaining traction. The combination of high-energy golfing action, top DJs DOM DOLLA and Fisher’s performances, and a fan-centric broadcast approach led to a surge in viewership at the Adelaide event.
O’Neil’s recount of his interaction with Garcia during the Pro-Am round captivated listeners and revealed an aspect of golf that is rarely seen by fans. The CEO’s candid admission of his initial struggles on the golf course, coupled with Garcia’s theatrical reactions, painted a charming picture of camaraderie and light-hearted competition.
But it wasn’t all fun and games at the Adelaide event. The crowd was sent into a frenzy as Patrick Reed, playing for Dustin Johnson’s team Four Aces, scored an elusive hole-in-one at the par-3 12th “Watering Hole”. This electrifying moment went viral, further boosting LIV’s viewership numbers.
The Adelaide tournament’s success is seen in the numbers. The opening round attracted 114,000 viewers on FS1, a significant leap from the Riyadh opener. The final round went on to draw in 249,000 American viewers on Fox. Including Australian viewers, the tournament raked in 474,000 viewers for the final round. Although LIV’s viewership is still dwarfed by the PGA Tour’s Genesis Invitational’s 3.4 million viewers, the sharp increase is a promising sign for the emerging league.
Pro-Am events have a storied history of generating unforgettable moments. From Bill Murray’s comedic antics at the 2011 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am to WNBA star Caitlin Clark’s impressive 75-yard wedge shot at the 2024 Annika Pro-Am, these events have continuously captivated audiences and expanded golf’s fan base.
As the competition between LIV Golf and the PGA Tour continues to intensify, these Pro-Am moments serve as powerful ammunition for attracting viewers. LIV’s innovative strategy, which includes drone coverage, interactive leaderboards, and experimental night golf, aims to create a unique viewer experience while preserving golf’s traditions.
As we look to the future, the question remains: Can LIV Golf’s blend of star power, entertainment collaborations, and technological advancements bridge the viewership gap with the PGA Tour? Only time will tell. In the meantime, we can look forward to more memorable Pro-Am moments and burgeoning rivalries in this evolving sport.
What’s your most memorable Pro-Am moment in golf history? Share your thoughts and join the conversation!
