LIV Golf takeaways after two years: The good, bad and ugly
After two years of LIV Golf, GolfMagic decided to take a look at the good, the bad and the ugly of the PGA Tour's bitter rival.
It seems hard to believe we have had two years of LIV Golf drama after the breakaway tour concluded their second campaign in Miami.
I have to be honest, I don't think I'll ever be able to watch LIV events without thinking of Phil Mickelson's jaw-dropping remarks and the events that followed in the world of men's professional golf.
It has been, quite simply, a remarkable period in the game. And a defining one.
LIV appears to be a polarising subject.
Either you are prepared to overlook the Saudis' sportswashing/Vision 2030 because you just want to watch some golf. You want to watch Cameron Smith, Dustin Johnson and Bryson DeChambeau. You don't want to watch an eight-hour broadcast and you find the team element compelling.
Or you just hate it altogether and there is no middle ground.
Both are okay opinions to have.
One thing does seem clear though, whatever the result of the PGA Tour's attempts to ratify the framework agreement with the PIF, there won't be many changes to LIV in 2024.
As Ian Poulter recently claimed: it's business as usual.
GolfMagic decided to take a look at some of the things that have and haven't worked.
Let's get into it.
The good
LIV's website is undeniably brilliant, filled with up-to-date news, stats, interviews and feature pieces. It's got a sleek design an easy to navigate.
One thing we've enjoyed is a bit of drama. On the PGA Tour, Brooks Koepka was involved in a high-profile feud with Bryson DeChambeau. Both players have acknowledged their feelings of dislike for each other were genuine. But then things turned a bit lame, culminating in a made-for-TV exhibition match in Las Vegas.
Koepka is the captain of Smash and he selected Matthew Wolff to be part of his side for the 2023 campaign. Wolff had a tough start and withdrew from a couple of events, angering Koepka. Then the five-time major champ let his feelings known, absolutely tearing into the young American for what he viewed was a lack of professionalism. Koepka had a pop at Wolff on more than one occasion. Let's hope for some more team angst in 2024.
The TV production has also improved significantly. Things may change in the future, but at the moment there aren't many ads which means the consumer is inundated with shot after shot. There is a lot going on because of the team and individual competition is played at the same time, but those in charge of the broadcast have done a good job in making it clear what is happening.
One common criticism is that those going to LIV won't be competitive in other events. Specifically, the major championships. Koepka won the PGA Championship after making a run at the Masters. Mickelson was awesome at Augusta National, too. DeChambeau posted a T-4 at Oak Hill and a number of 'rebel' players offered good showings at the majors.
Another success, you could argue, is the season-ending team championship. Cringeworthy celebrations aside, it is undeniably the most compelling LIV Golf watch all year.
The bad
LIV do have a habit of overpromising an underdelivering. We were reliably informed by Greg Norman more high-profile signings would be joining before LIV's second season. Jon Rahm? Jordan Spieth? In the end, only four PGA Tour players upped sticks: Brendan Steele, Danny Lee, Thomas Pieters and Sebastian Munoz.
I'd also argue the relegation system hasn't worked properly. A number of players signed lucrative multi-year deals with LIV and assigned the role of a team captain. This meant they were exempt from relegation. Despite their below-par performances, Lee Westwood and Martin Kaymer will be playing in 2024. I'd argue they should have been booted in a non-playing capacity and have to earn their spots back.
Arlo White is absolutely fine as a commentator. I've enjoyed him call the action across multiple sports over the years, but when it comes to LIV White and his colleagues are so OTT. Please guys and gals, less is more. You are clearly paid propagandists but could you make it less obvious?
The ugly
Please, never ever do this again:
Thoughts on the flash mob at LIV Golf London?! pic.twitter.com/ZUnjNKDoIS
— GolfMagic (@GolfMagic) July 7, 2023
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Ben joined the GolfMagic team in September 2021, initially as a content executive.
These days, he assumes the position of content manager.
