Golf enthusiasts flocked to meet some of the LIV Golfers at fan events today, despite the temperature reaching 43 degrees.
The event promises to be the largest yet, with 100,000 fans expected from Thursday.
Junior golfers had the opportunity to interact with their idols at a special clinic, while the professional golfers honed their skills on the greens.
Spectators also eagerly awaiting the possibility of a hole-in-one on the 14th hole, which will win a lucky fan a brand-new car.
The feat was last achieved two years ago by Chase Koepka.
Chase’s brother Brooks Koepka said that win was “the one topic” brought up every time the pair were together. “He still thinks he’s the mayor of Adelaide. He still calls himself that,” Brooks said.
The event has expanded its appeal this year with larger grandstands, additional screens, and family-friendly attractions such as a petting zoo and a kids’ DJ.
However, the tournament’s growth has raised concerns about South Australia’s ability to retain the event long-term.
“Our frustration is, SA has a history of going first on an event, building it up to be something magnificent and then other jurisdictions come to pinch it off of us,” Premier Peter Malinauskas said.
But LIV Golf chief executive Scott O’Neil said he was happy with Adelaide.
“You have a world class golf course, you have a place where our players are comfortable, you have extraordinary restaurants, hospitality’s great, the people are great so I hope we’re here for a very long time,” he said.
This article was produced with the assistance of 9ExPress.
