Aussie politician warns LIV: officials monitoring closely as stars flee league, threatening Adelaide golf event

Adelaide’s future in question

LIV Golf may continue into 2027 with a smaller schedule and lower purses if it secures enough player commitments. Even then, the league could lose its Adelaide event, which has become one of its most successful tournaments.

Australian fans have turned out in large numbers despite having fewer chances to watch top golfers than fans in the United States or Europe. Attendance at the 2026 Adelaide event reached 115,000.

Premier sets a condition

Peter Malinauskas, South Australia’s premier, discussed the league’s plans in an interview with SEN radio. He said officials are monitoring developments around LIV 2.0. Malinauskas said the presence of players including Bryson DeChambeau and Australian major champion Cam Smith was crucial to the tournament’s success. He warned the state would not proceed if the event could not maintain its standard by keeping star players.

South Africa draws crowds

LIV’s South Africa event debuted this season at Steyn City Golf Course and drew tens of thousands of fans. The all-South African Southern Guards finished second in the team competition.

In August, LIV CEO Scott O’Neil pointed to Adelaide and South Africa as examples of events that resonate with fans. He said more than 100,000 people attended in South Africa, where spectators sang the national anthem on the 18th fairway.

Departures deepen uncertainty

Louis Oosthuizen, the Southern Guards captain and 2010 Open champion, announced last week that he was leaving LIV in an emotional social media statement. Teammate Branden Grace, a two-time PGA Tour winner, is also reportedly departing.

The departures add to concerns over the league’s ability to retain prominent players as it considers its next season. Adelaide’s future, meanwhile, is tied to whether LIV can maintain the level of competition Malinauskas says the event requires.