LIV Golf UK has put Staffordshire on the global stage, JCB delivered another masterclass, but could it be the end? Could that have been the last time? If so, LIV Golf UK signed off in some style.There remains a cloud hanging over the future of the breakaway circuit, with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund due to end its financial backing after the current season. What comes next is still uncertain, meaning the thousands of fans who flocked to JCB Golf & Country Club in Staffordshire may well have witnessed the final LIV event on British soil.A packed grandstand on the par three 14th hole at LIV Golf UK. (Photo by Matthew Harris/LIV Golf) | APIf that proves to be the case, it would be a genuine shame.How many professional golf tournaments in this country regularly attract some of the biggest names in the sport? The answer is not many. LIV brings major champions, Ryder Cup stars and household names to Staffordshire, putting the county firmly on the global sporting map.The benefits stretched far beyond the ropes. Hotels, pubs, restaurants and local businesses all felt the impact of thousands of visitors descending on the area.JCB once again proved an outstanding venue. Yes, the world’s best players made the course look remarkably straightforward at times, but that simply underlined the extraordinary standard on show. Lucas Herbert’s astonishing winning total of 30 under par across four days was breathtaking.Lucas Herbert of Ripper GC celebrates his win with teammates Cameron Smith, Marc Leishman and Travis Smyth of Ripper GC (Photo by Jon Ferrey/LIV Golf) | APWhatever your views on LIV Golf, its origins or its Saudi-backed funding, there was one thing that was impossible to argue with this weekend: those who bought a ticket got their money’s worth – a fantastic day out. Bryson DeChambeau is perhaps the perfect example of what LIV Golf is trying to be.Love him or loathe him, the two-time US Open champion was out there after every round, patiently signing autograph after autograph and posing for photographs long after many of his rivals had disappeared. Scores of youngsters went home clutching hats, flags and golf balls with a smile on their faces.Bryson DeChambeau signs autographs for fans at LIV Golf United Kingdom, held at JCB Golf & Country Club in Staffordshire. (Photo by Chris Trotman/LIV Golf) | APDoes it help his own brand? Of course it does. DeChambeau has embraced the world of YouTube and social media, building a huge audience away from the golf course, and every interaction probably earns him a few more subscribers.But does that matter? Not really. You cannot help but admire the effort. As arguably the face of LIV Golf, he understands the importance of leaving a lasting impressionFans were several rows deep throughout the week, desperate for a glimpse of the American.A packed first tee at JCB Golf & Country Club as Lee Westwood tees off. (Photo by Chris Trotman/LIV Golf) | APYou’ll often hear the argument that “nobody is interested in LIV Golf”. Yet whenever it comes to Staffordshire, people turn up. There is clearly an appetite for elite golf.The bigger question is whether it is sustainable. Saudi Arabia’s PIF is withdrawing its backing after investing almost $4 billion since LIV’s launch. When the winner pockets $4 million, millions more are handed out in the team competition and there are guaranteed payouts throughout the field, you cannot help but wonder how the numbers stack up in the long term.There were moments this week that perhaps illustrated the challenge. The likes of DeChambeau and Jon Rahm attracted enormous galleries, but follow some of the lesser-known names and the fairways could often feel almost deserted. That cannot be much fun for those players, although finishing last and still collecting $50,000 probably softens the blow.Thousands followed Bryson DeChambeau at LIV Golf UK in Staffordshire. (Photo by Chris Trotman/LIV Golf) | APThen there is the team element.To LIV’s credit, it has tried something different. Team golf can be compelling. The Ryder Cup is one of the greatest sporting events on the calendar, and there is something appealing about players fighting for one another rather than simply themselves.The problem is convincing people to care.Spend a day walking around the course and almost every conversation centres on the individual leaderboard. Very few supporters seemed concerned whether Crushers GC, Ripper GC or anyone else would be sharing another multi-million-dollar payday. The concept remains unique, but it still feels like the individual event is the main attraction.So, whatever happens next, LIV Golf UK delivered another memorable week, a world-class sporting spectacle. We will just wait to see if it was the champagne finish. Continue Reading
If this was LIV Golf UK’s goodbye, it was one to remember
