LIV Golf Miami Proves Team Golf Is the Way Forward

In the year 2023, there may have been some uncertainty, but for golfers like Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka, Phil Mickelson, and Greg Norman, the vision of LIV Golf remains as clear as ever. The recent 2023 season finale in Miami served as confirmation of the success and staying power of LIV Golf.

LIV Golf, an exciting golf tour consisting of 12 teams with four players each, just concluded its second season. This season saw an expansion from eight events to 14, and the league’s first broadcast partner, The CW, signed on. Notable moments included Bryson DeChambeau shooting a final round 58 to win at Greenbrier and Brooks Koepka conquering the field at the PGA Championship.

The season finale in Miami brought together 48 players, with four teams eventually reaching the Sunday finals. These teams were the Crushers, RangeGoats, Torque, and defending champions 4Aces. Before the tournament began, the league had already crowned Talor Gooch as the individual champion. Ultimately, it was Crushers captain Bryson DeChambeau who led his team to victory by two strokes over Gooch’s RangeGoats.

After the dust settled, a staggering $50 million USD was distributed among the players. The lion’s share went to the winners, with the four members of the Crushers taking home a pot of $14 million USD. The significant prize money allocated towards the team component of LIV Golf aims to fuel competition and make it more exciting for fans.

LIV Golf sets itself apart from traditional golf competitions by embracing what attracts new fans to the sport. While individual players like Tiger Woods may captivate audiences, LIV believes that cultivating a collective, team-based atmosphere will help golf grow as a spectator sport. Two years into the league, both fans and players seem to be fully on board with the team concept.

Bryson DeChambeau expressed his happiness with his team’s victory, highlighting the importance of winning as a team. He emphasized that while individual achievements like major championships are great, there is a special camaraderie that comes from winning as part of a team.

Being a part of LIV Golf also offers players the opportunity to own something. Each team captain holds a 25% equity stake in their team, and each team functions as its own mini-franchise. Unlike other tours where players function as individual contractors with little influence over the tour’s direction, LIV Golf members have more agency. Owning a franchise opens doors to various sponsorship opportunities, which have attracted significant interest from brands and investors.

Before the season finale, the tour collaborated with jeweler Ben Baller to create anticipation for the flagship event. Baller designed custom championship rings for the individual champion, Talor Gooch, and upcoming rings for the Crushers GC team champions. These rings are made of 14-karat gold and feature 10 carats of rare diamonds.

The Miami pro-am event showcased a diverse lineup of participants, including former NFL players Reggie Bush and Brice Butler, TikTok sensation Snappy Gilmore, and internet personality Blake Webber. The impressive turnout highlighted the growing popularity and appeal of LIV Golf among golf-loving celebrities.

The winners of the tournament were celebrated on stage, similar to how Formula 1 drivers are celebrated after completing record lap times. The stage was then transformed into the scene of a live concert, with DJ Fisher providing an energetic set for fans, leaving everyone in a positive mood.

Looking ahead to 2024, LIV Golf’s Gary Davidson has hinted at the possibility of expanding beyond the current 12-team roster. A new COO, Lawrence Burian, has also been announced. The 2024 schedule is taking shape, with a highly anticipated stop in Las Vegas during Super Bowl week. Additionally, a new promotion/relegation system will be introduced, adding excitement as the four worst-performing teams from the previous season battle to retain their spots in high-stakes showdowns called LIV Golf Promotions.

Get ready for what’s to come with LIV Golf. The future looks bright and full of surprises.

Reference

Daniel Miller

Daniel Miller takes readers to the greens with his passion for golf. He offers coverage of major golf tournaments, player achievements, and insights into the sport’s rich history, making him a trusted source for golf enthusiasts.