LIV Golf Adelaide swings into action as 2024 tournament sees record-breaking crowd with up to 30,000
It was a picture, perfect day on the green with up to 30,000 fans rocking up for the first day of LIV Golf Adelaide.
SA News
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From start to finish, it was a party to remember as an estimated record crowd of up to 30,000 packed Grange Golf Club for the first day of LIV Golf Adelaide.
Sporting fans of all ages flocked greenside to soak up the incredible atmosphere, which was boosted thanks to a 50 per cent increase in daily capacity for this year’s tournament.
Growing numbers of interstate and overseas visitors added extra roars with every swing and every putt, as some of the world’s best golfers showed their stuff in front of a passionate audience.
The Franklin family flew down from Sydney for the tournament with brothers Beau, 9, and Jake, 10, some of the lucky ones who got to meet superstar Australian Cameron Smith.
It was also Beau’s ninth birthday making it that much more special, said mum Sonia, 40.
“It’s his birthday and all he wanted to do for his birthday was come to Adelaide and watch Cam Smith play,” she said.
“We got a few signatures, Jake had Bryson DeChambeau and Beau had Cam Smith and both of them got their corflute head signed.
“They loved it, absolutely loved it, he was great with them and happy to stop and take photos and sign his signature so it was lovely.”
The Franklins will be in Adelaide for the whole tournament this weekend after having a great time at last year’s event.
They were also at the Watering Hole last year when Chase Koepka of Smash GC hit a hole-in-one on the 12th hole, which is where they plan to spend Saturday.
“The kids love it, we were there for the hole-in-one and (Friday) we just wanted to watch them and walk around with them,” she said.
After missing out on the action last year, Dylan Provis, 49, Paralowie and Nathan Anderson, 47, Greenacres got in early to secure prime seats overlooking the course’s famous party hole.
“First time here, having a great day, excellent experience and looking forward to doing it again,” Mr Provis said.
“We’re happy to stay here, this is the place where its at so we’re gonna stay here for the day.
“We missed out last year, saw all the coverage for it and really wanted to be part of it this year.”
There’s some suggestions the tournament, after two events in April, could be moved to a date earlier in the year.
It’s understood the government would prefer an earlier timeslot to ensure ideal weather for golfers and fans, but that is still to be discussed with LIV Golf executives.
LIV Golf Adelaide executive tournament director Nick Haslam said it was a wonderful day of world-class action – and there’s more to come.
“It’s taken our team a lot of hard work over the last 12 months to get to today and we are really proud to finally open the gates,” he said.
“It’s great to see fans from not only Adelaide but all over the world, enjoying one of the biggest events in sports and entertainment that Adelaide has ever seen.
“We have a big weekend ahead and it’s only going to get better.”
The Comas family from Brighton spent the afternoon watching Louis Oosthuizen, Joaquin Niemann and Brooks Kopeka, which was “fantastic.”
“We’ve just been walking around, mainly following Louis Oosthuizen and Koepka, it’s been absolutely fantastic,” Johnathan Comas said.
Mr Comas, 40, had a great time at last year’s tournament and brought his family along to join in the fun this year.
“I came along last year, it was excellent so (my daughter) Taya and (son) Mason started playing golf so we thought we’d come down and check out some people that they’ve seen on TV,” he said.
“They didn’t come along last year but I did and thought to myself, it would be a really good thing to bring the kids to.”
The crowd couldn’t get enough of Smith with the British Open winner greeted with loud cheers and applause as he made his way through the course throughout the day.
The excitement reached fever pitch as he approached the final hole, followed by an enormous cheer squad of fans ready to cheer on their idol.
After the match eager fans hung around the course, hoping to grab a glimpse and possibly an autograph from Smith.
The party continued into the Fan Village after dark with plenty of food, drinks and DJs to set the mood for Tones and I to take the stage.
The award-winning artist, whose real name is Toni Watson, wrapped up festivities with a killer performance, including her 2019 hit Dance Monkey.
The action will continue again on Saturday with Japan’s Jinichiro Kozuma, who is ranked 545th in the world, currently in the lead, nailing seven birdies and an eagle in his nine-under 63.
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