SA scores another big event as LIV Golf makes its Australian debut in Adelaide

South Australians are set to realise the economic benefits of yet another major international event, with some of the biggest stars in world golf set to play in Adelaide in April as the city hosts the Australian debut of LIV Golf.

The State Government has secured the hotly contested rights for the LIV Golf event to be played from April 21 to 23, just days after all 18 AFL clubs play in South Australia.

The school holiday timing will boost the incentive for international and interstate visitors to stay and spend, helping pack out restaurants, bars, hotels, shops and other businesses, many of which suffered through the pandemic.

The event will be held at the internationally acclaimed The Grange Golf Club, where LIV Golf CEO and Commissioner Greg Norman claimed his first professional victory in 1976.

The LIV Golf event has been secured with a contribution from the state’s Major Events Fund, which was boosted by $40 million in this year’s State Budget.

LIV Golf’s innovative new format featuring team and individual play has shaken up world golf, attracting big names including reigning Open Champion Cameron Smith, along with major winners including Dustin Johnson, Phil Mickelson, Brooks Koepka, Bryson DeChambeau, Sergio Garcia, Patrick Reed, Louis Oosthuizen and more.

The Adelaide event will form part of the LIV Golf League’s global 14 event schedule for 2023, which will be finalised in coming weeks.

Premier Peter Malinauskas said securing the first Australian LIV Golf tournament is an exciting coup for South Australia.

"As Premier, I am determined to lure more major events to South Australia, which means more visitors, more economic activity and more jobs," said Premier Malinauskas.

"This is exactly what our economy needs as we emerge from the pandemic, in particular our hospitality sector which has done it tough over the past couple of years.

"LIV Golf will bring some of the world’s best golf players to SA for an event the likes of which our country has never seen before."