Golfshake Ambassador Andy Picken wanted to discover what it was like to attend a LIV Golf event, so he made the time to experience the recent LIV Golf UK at JCB Golf & Country Club.
I am a traditionalist golfer who loves the heritage of the game. The LIV format challenges these norms and I had avoided exposure to it over the past couple of years.
I decided that this year would be different and I would apply for press accreditation to be able to see at first-hand what the event was about.
The LIV model that includes lucrative appearance fees and guaranteed payouts for all participants challenges the past norms requiring a consistent level of performance from the professionals to make a living. Once selected and playing in the tournament, the result of the event is of little financial consequence, unless you are the leading player or leading team.
Is LIV Golf a Worthy Competition?
Individual champion Joaquin Niemann has had an incredible season with this being his fifth LIV win. I was surprised to discover that Niemann’s winnings for this season exceed those of Scottie Sheffler who is the world’s number one.
Nieman was a very worthy champion especially given the fact that he was playing with a new caddie for the first time. He dispensed with his previous one after failing to make the cut at The Open. I followed his progress closely during the event and was very impressed by his driving ability. He can shape the ball both ways but gets immense distance through a low, penetrating ball flight. This must be ideally suited for links play and I will be watching his form closely before next year’s Open at Royal Birkdale.
I was worried that the competitive integrity of the event could be compromised. I did not need to worry as every competitor playing in this event was fully focused on giving their best possible performance on a challenging golf course and layout. At this elite level many of the players do not need the money but still crave that winning feeling and experience. That’s why they still practice and devote so much time to improvement. This was a fully competitive tournament.
Has LIV Golf Helped to Grow The Game?
I listened intently to an interview given by Lee Westwood, a favourite player of mine for many years, when he described his recent efforts at The Open. He decided to undertake the tortuous and difficult qualification process, eventually winning the final qualifying event to gain entry to the field at Royal Portrush. Westwood clearly relished this competition, being justifiably proud at his qualification. He enjoyed pitting himself against the new crop of aspiring professional to give himself the chance to compete against the world’s best.
As a home player and co-captain of the Majesticks team, he and his teammates were occupied prior to the tournament in highlighting many of the excellent community initiatives that are developing through the cash provided by the LIV organisation.
I know of Westwood’s commitment to growing the game through his work with his golf school and appreciate at first hand the opportunities it offered aspiring golfers.
‘Little Sticks’ is a programme that has been developed and independently assessed that is currently being trialled in around 200 schools in the North East of England. From year three onwards, children undertake a fully developed curriculum, learning how golf can provide models and templates for positive behaviour and wellbeing. They are also provided with equipment to try the game. This has already reached almost 40,000 kids and has led to a global online community.
What is The Fan Experience at LIV Golf Like?
The ticketing process enhances the chance to grow the game by allowing free access to the tournament for under 12s if accompanied by an adult. The fan zone was filled with activities and fun games for kids and this was a major positive I took from attending the event.
I found the overall fan experience to be excellent. Access to view the driving range was great allowing me to get up close and personal with some of the world’s greatest golfers. I loved the fact that the range had to be upgraded by the inclusion of a phalanx of JCB elevators to hold up range netting as it was feared that Bryson DeChambeau would be literally hitting it out the park.
The short game practice area was brilliantly presented with two putting greens on offer that had defined gradients. I spent some time early in the week observing Pete Cowen delivering a master class to his client. People watching around the putting green were able to observe a wealth of major champions practicing their trade.
There were many blind shots for the competitors but the spectator stands were very well-placed offering views across multiple greens and tee boxes. I loved the spot on the 18th green that allowed the tee shot to be viewed in detail via the immense TV screens. This afforded great views of the approach shots and putts.
I made a point of spending some time observing around the 14th green. The Party Hole was simply excellent. Having the players enter the confined tee box to walk on music of their choice was great. DJs kept the crowds entertained and the atmosphere around this hole was electric and great fun. As an old-style golf fan, I did not expect to enjoy this experience anywhere near as much as I did. It was fantastic and I loved being surrounded by people of all ages who were also relishing the atmosphere.
I was initially worried that the non-stop music on the course would be off-putting but I liked it. The music has its own links via Spotify. It’s the sort of music played around a pool whilst on holiday and some of it was excellent. At no point was I distracted by it. The Kygo concert that was part of the package was also superb and brought additional value to the fan experience.
Was JCB Golf & Country Club a Good Venue?
The golf course is a gem. American in its styling but impeccably presented despite the sunny recent weather. Those responsible deserve great credit as it was clearly a team effort. I watched the army of support staff progress in a convoy to the venue after day two to begin the final day presentation. It was impressive.
JCB announced that they will host also next year’s event. This is not surprising as the venue was well used to showcase the JCB products. If you are a fan of diggers this is the place to be. The JCB Monster Truck was used to start the shotgun style tournament by revving its immense engine and blowing out a plume of coloured smoke. A great sight to see on the first tee box.
Do Golf Fans Care About LIV Teams?
I was surprised to see the team ethos has really been grasped by many of the fans. They wore their allegiances with pride acquired from the many merchandising outlets. There are 13 teams with the newly introduced jeopardy of individual relegation from the league adding much to the event’s kudos and enjoyment.
I went to this event with low expectations but have come away enthused at the format and will be watching my favourite players via the excellent online platforms offered by LIV Golf.
I will also be going again next year. Enough said!
LIV Golf UK – What You Need to Know
Golfshake’s Equipment Expert, Ryan Rastall also spent time at LIV Golf UK, which he covered in a recent video that you can watch below or directly on YouTube.
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