Greg Norman describes Peter Malinauskas as ‘the most humble person in politics’

Golf legend Greg Norman gushed over Premier Peter Malinauskas during a $1700-a-head dinner for LIV Golf last night, praising his “phenomenal” leadership.

Greg Norman has heaped praise on Premier Peter Malinauskas, describing him as the “most humble person he’s met in politics”.

The LIV Golf boss was speaking alongside Malinauskas at a $1700-a-head dinner at Grange Golf Club following day one of the Adelaide event.

Norman said the Premier was an impressive leader who had the best interests of South Australia at heart – despite being a Labor politician.

“The way he cares about this state and this city is phenomenal,” Norman said.

“He’s given this state a rudder – not that it didn’t have one before.

“He’s the most humble person I’ve met in politics. He has the heart of South Australia and this city, and I’m proud to call him a friend.”

LIV golf boss Greg Norman shakes hands with Peter Malinauskas. Picture: Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images

The following day the sun was shining and drinks were flowing as Adelaide locals and stars gathered at Grange Golf Club for another jam-packed day.

Attendees lapped up every moment, with all eyes on fan favourite Cameron Smith.

At the exclusive Cellar Door venue overlooking the infamous Watering Hole, partners of Crows players, Bel Sloane, Ellie Walker and retired West Coast Eagles player Jack Redden’s partner, Aymee Redden said they were enjoying the tournament’s lively atmosphere.

“We are not golfing girls but we are really enjoying the vibes today,” Ms Walker said

“It’s pretty amazing to have this world class event in Adelaide.”

“Some of the members on the Rippers’ team were saying they thought this was one of the best organised events they’ve ever played at,” she said.

Bel Sloane, Ellie Walker and Aymee Redden enjoying the Cellar Door at LIV Golf at Grange Golf Club. Picture: Tom Huntley

Local golf fans, Michael Polgreen, Craig Davis and Justin Neideck were also singing the event’s praises, with Mr Davis making the two hour trip down from Waikerie to watch the golfing greats do what they do best.

“It’s done very well and Peter has done a great job bringing it to the state,” Mr Neideck said.

The trio were hard to miss in their matching, Happy Gilmore themed guernseys.

“We are all golfers and Happy Gilmore fans,”

We wore these tops last years, but there are a few impersonators this year. we’re the originals,” Mr Neideck said.

Happy Gilmore fans Michael Polgreen, Craig Davis and Justin Neideck enjoying LIV Golf. Picture: Tom Huntley

Another group of Adelaide based mates also returned to the Liv Golf tournament after having a blast at last years event.

“We’re not golfers, but we come for the atmosphere,” Mr Aguilera-Bates said.

“It’s actually my birthday weekend, so we have been spending a lot of time at the Watering Hole.”

When asked if they were fans of Liv in Adelaide, the boys only had one answer.

“We love having it in Adelaide, we should have it twice a year, every year,” Mr Aguilera-Bates said.

Zac Caldecott-Millard, Mitch Houston, Daniel Aguilera-Bates and Jordan Habib enjoying LIV Golf at Grange Golf Club. Picture: Tom Huntley

Norman also gave Malinauskas credit for taking a chance on bringing LIV Golf to Adelaide.

“He did it for the people and this state – and it works,” he said.

The pair were joined by LIV Golf superstars Cameron Smith, Phil Mickelson and John Rahm for the dinner, held by The Watering Hole’s 12th green.

The trio of golfers also spoke at the event, with Australian Smith declaring the Adelaide LIV Golf tournament should be made the sport’s fifth major.

Among the 110 guests included Collingwood ruckman-forward Mason Cox, a personal friend of Smith, plus LIV ambassadors Dylan Buckley and Ellidy Pullin.

Former MasterChef star and Farm to Fork TV co-host Michael Weldon flew in from Melbourne to prepare the three-course menu.

A big golf fan, Adelaide-born Weldon spent the early part of the day inside the ropes watching major winners Brooks Koepka and Louis Oosthuizen.

Meanwhile, US LIV Golf stars Bubba Watson and Bryson DeChambeau headed to Adelaide Oval to watch Port Adelaide defeat St Kilda on Friday night.

The pair donned Power scarves and enjoyed corporate hospitality as the home team edged out the visiting Saints. Watson also popped into the Port Adelaide rooms before the game and chatted with Power star Connor Rozee.

“An incredible night at the AFL game! Thanks to PAFC for gifting me one of their training balls!!” Masters winner Watson captioned a video with Seven’s Mark Soderstrom.

Earlier in the week, defending LIV Golf Adelaide champion Talor Gooch headed to fine dining venue Restaurant Botanic for a special meal.

“@chefjustinjames what a pleasure” Talor captioned a photo at the acclaimed eatery, named the nation’s best in 2022 by Gourmet Traveller.