Grange Golf Club member survey shows popularity for hosting LIV Golf has slumped

Grange Golf Club members say there needs to be a greater financial benefit for hosting 102,000 people on its grounds due to course disruption and damage caused by LIV Golf.

The popularity of LIV Golf at one of Adelaide’s most exclusive clubs is slumping among its members, as gripes with rubbish, course damage and lack of compensation are aired.

A survey of Grange Golf Club members found 69 per cent of 383 respondents were satisfied or very satisfied with the event, compared to 86 per cent of 1191 respondents the previous year.

More than 102,000 people attended the third instalment of LIV Golf Adelaide in February, which was widely praised for its economic benefits and attracting international visitors.

Club members also commended this year’s event for being family-friendly, world-class, having a great atmosphere and for the course’s conditioning and presentation.

LIV Golf fans enjoy family-friendly activities at the Grange Golf Club. Picture: Tim Joy

However, those not in favour of the event, or who were supportive but raised concerns, said there needed to be greater financial benefit to the club and the disruption to members was too significant.

The event infrastructure and carparking also reportedly caused too much damage to the course

A seven-day traditional membership at Grange Golf Club has a one-off entrance fee of $9260 and an annual subscription fee of $4116, according to 2024-25 membership figures.

Members also asked the club for more of an opportunity to play the LIV course.

Bryson Dechambeau hits out of a bunker. Picture: Mark Brake

Fisher interacts with the fans on the 12th hole during the final round of LIV Golf Adelaide at Grange Golf Club. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/LIV Golf)

The club has a contract with LIV Golf and the government to host the 2026 event, which coincides with its centenary year celebrations.

Areas for improvement included dedicated male toilets near the clubhouse, more rubbish bins, a reduced staging time, more protection of non-LIV holes and member-only viewing stands.

The event – named the world’s best golf event in 2023 and 2024 – will move to a new redeveloped world-class course at North Adelaide in 2028, or potentially as early as 2027.

Artist impression of two-storey driving range at North Adelaide Golf Course. Picture: Adelaide City Council documents

In a newsletter to members this week, the club said it did not have a contract or an offer to host LIV Golf beyond 2026.

Grange Golf Club’s general manager, Craig Skimming, was contacted for comment.

Originally published as Grange Golf Club member survey shows popularity for hosting LIV Golf has slumped