Queensland a step closer to hosting LIV Golf

Sports fans have pined for LIV Golf to come to Queensland after wild scenes from the Adelaide event earlier this year. And it looks like it could be a step closer.

The Queensland government is in discussions to lure LIV Golf to the state following the wild success of the sold-out tournament in South Australia.

Australia’s first tournament of the Saudi-backed breakaway series in Adelaide attracted global attention with raucous images of live music and fans partying on the course.

The Sunshine State was already tipped as a favourite to secure the nation’s second tournament given the series’ superstar Cameron Smith is a proud Queenslander.

But Tourism and Sport Minister Stirling Hinchliffe revealed on Tuesday morning the government had begun discussions with Liv Golf boss Greg Norman about hosting a tournament.

“Tourism and Events Queensland have sat down with Greg and have had conversations around the program,” he said.

Images of wild party scenes at the Adelaide LIV Golf event were shared widely. Picture: Mark Brake/Getty Images

“It’s very early days but we’re open to those conversations.”

There are rumours Clive Palmer is preparing a push to host a LIV Golf tournament at one of the mining magnate’s golf courses, most likely in Coolum.

When asked if the government would be willing to work with the divisive figure to attract the controversial but booming tour to Queensland, Mr Hinchliffe said: “There’s all sorts of people that we need to work with to make sure great events happen in Queensland and we’ll be doing that.”

Australia’s PGA chief executive Gavin Kirkman also confirmed the Australian Championship will be played in November and again be hosted in the state at the Royal Queensland Golf Club, where the sport will be based for the 2032 Olympic Games.

Discussions have begun with LIV Golf CEO and Commissioner Greg Norman for the tournament to head to Queensland. Picture: NCA/NewsWire Emma Brasier

He also said he expected Smith to return and play in the tournament despite since defecting to the Saudi-backed competitor series since claiming victory in last year’s instalment of the tournament.

“We’re expecting all our Aussie stars to come back and play their home tour and do battle again,” Mr Kirkman said.

“We’re also expecting, now the world has opened up to travel, a lot more internationals to come and play the 2023 event.”

The Australian golf league’s boss said confirmation the club will be the course for the 2032 Games will act as an incentive to attract global stars to the PGA Championship in the years leading into the Olympics.

“To lure the players and the work Royal Queensland are doing on the golf course is going to grow and get better towards 2032,” Mr Kirkman said.

“There’s a lot of locker room talk with all the players on the quality of the course, the change in the course and work that’s been done on your course to take it and elevate it to that Olympic Games standard.”

Originally published as Queensland a step closer to hosting LIV Golf