Home » SPORTS TOURISM » Record-Breaking LIV Golf Adelaide Shatters Attendance Records and Boosts South Australia’s Sports Tourism Economy to New Heights
Published on
February 16, 2026
Image generated with Ai
LIV Golf Adelaide has not only redefined the landscape of professional golf in Australia but has firmly established South Australia as the nation’s leading destination for sports tourism. Held at the iconic Grange Golf Club, this four-day tournament shattered previous records, becoming the largest golf event in Australia’s history. With more than 115,000 spectators attending, the event’s success highlights South Australia’s growing prominence on the global sports tourism stage.
A Record-Breaking Event with Tremendous Economic Impact
LIV Golf Adelaide’s record-breaking attendance is a testament to the region’s appeal as a top-tier sports tourism destination. Surpassing the previous attendance record of 112,000 at the 2025 Australian Open, the event drew an astounding 38,500 spectators on Saturday alone, marking the largest single-day crowd in LIV Golf history. This massive turnout not only elevated the tournament but also showcased South Australia’s ability to host large-scale international sporting events.
The tournament’s impact on South Australia’s tourism and hospitality industries was profound. Hotel occupancy rates surged during the event, with Adelaide’s hotels reaching over 85% occupancy on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights, and an average of nearly 10,000 rooms occupied each night. This level of visitation significantly boosted local businesses, generating substantial economic returns for the region. Since the tournament’s debut in 2023, LIV Golf Adelaide has contributed more than $217 million to the state’s economy, with last year’s contribution alone reaching a record $81 million.
LIV Golf Adelaide’s Festival Atmosphere and Global Appeal
LIV Golf Adelaide is not just a golf tournament; it is a full-fledged sporting festival that has captivated fans and tourists alike. The event’s global broadcast reach extended to millions of viewers worldwide, putting South Australia on the map as a premier destination for sports tourism. The vibrant atmosphere at The Grange Golf Club was electric, with packed grandstands and a festival-like ambiance that made LIV Golf Adelaide a unique spectacle.
The four-day event was complemented by world-class entertainment, with performances from artists such as Peking Duk, Royel Otis, John Summit, and FISHER, adding another layer to the vibrant atmosphere. The Ripper Point area was expanded, offering even more activities for attendees, while the fan village served as a hub of excitement, drawing large crowds and enhancing the overall experience. The inclusion of free entry for children under 12 and free public transport across the Adelaide Metro network made the event more accessible for families, further boosting its appeal as a family-friendly sports tourism event.
Creating Unforgettable Moments with World-Class Golf Talent
LIV Golf Adelaide attracted some of the world’s best golfers, including Cam Smith, Jon Rahm, and Bryson DeChambeau, alongside rising Australian star Elvis Smylie. The tournament delivered unforgettable moments both on and off the course, captivating record crowds and providing exceptional sports tourism experiences. Anthony Kim’s victory on Sunday added an extra layer of excitement, sending fans into a frenzy and capping off an already electrifying weekend.
Advertisement
Advertisement
These memorable sporting moments, combined with the vibrant festival atmosphere, are exactly what sports tourists seek—world-class competition, entertainment, and a unique cultural experience. LIV Golf Adelaide has proven that South Australia is capable of delivering an extraordinary sports tourism experience that goes beyond the game itself, attracting visitors from across the globe.
The Growing Legacy of LIV Golf Adelaide in the Sports Tourism Landscape
The success of LIV Golf Adelaide is just the beginning of what promises to be a growing legacy for sports tourism in South Australia. Tickets for LIV Golf Adelaide 2027 are already on sale, and demand is expected to be high following this year’s record-breaking event. The 2027 tournament will take place from March 18–21 at the Kooyonga Golf Club, with the excitement of the 2026 event still fresh in the minds of sports tourists and fans alike. As the event expands, it will continue to reinforce South Australia’s position as a top destination for sports tourism.
Premier Peter Malinauskas Highlights the Economic and Tourism Impact
Premier of South Australia, Peter Malinauskas, emphasized the critical role LIV Golf Adelaide has played in boosting the state’s economy and tourism sector. He highlighted the impressive attendance and the significant economic benefits the event has brought to the region, from increased visitation to enhanced local business activity. By driving tourism, increasing visitor expenditure, and supporting thousands of jobs, LIV Golf Adelaide has proven to be an invaluable asset to the South Australian economy.
LIV Golf Adelaide: A Major Force in Sports Tourism
As LIV Golf Adelaide continues to evolve and break records, its impact on South Australia’s sports tourism landscape is undeniable. The event has demonstrated the region’s capacity to host world-class sporting events, while simultaneously driving economic growth through tourism, hospitality, and local business engagement. LIV Golf Adelaide’s combination of exceptional competition, global reach, and vibrant festival atmosphere has set a new standard for sports tourism, ensuring that South Australia remains a key player in the international sports tourism scene.
Looking Ahead: LIV Golf Adelaide’s Future and its Contribution to South Australian Tourism
LIV Golf Adelaide CEO Scott O’Neil expressed his gratitude to the people of Australia and spoke with excitement about the future of the event in Adelaide. He highlighted the special atmosphere that South Australia provides, emphasizing the importance of LIV Golf Adelaide as a central event in the global sporting calendar. The tournament will return to The Grange Golf Club in 2027 before transitioning to the Kooyonga Golf Club, marking the start of a new chapter in the event’s growing legacy.
The future of LIV Golf Adelaide promises to be as thrilling as ever, with the event continuing to attract sports tourists from around the world and providing unparalleled economic benefits to South Australia. As the region becomes increasingly recognized as a premier destination for sports tourism, the success of LIV Golf Adelaide will undoubtedly continue to serve as a catalyst for growth in the industry.
