After all the hype, LIV Golf stars ready to strut their stuff at Sentosa

NEARLY two years have passed since the launch of LIV Golf under its chief excutive officer and former world No 1 player Greg Norman.

Since then, the league – backed by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund – has travelled the world to promote its all-star cast and all the fun and entertainment that the brand brings to the sport.

LIV Golf’s well-publicised rivalry with the more established US PGA Tour and the European Tour has also been aired countless times in many circles.

That said, it’s clear that LIV Golf is here to stay for the long run, so long as the mega-rich Public Investment Fund continues to pump in big bucks to keep the league going.

This weekend, Singapore golf fans will be introduced to all the hype associated with LIV Golf as it makes its debut here, with the fifth leg of its 14-event series for the 2023 season teeing off at the Sentosa Golf Club’s challenging Serapong course on Friday (Apr 28).

There are 48 golfers in town, with all of them are guaranteed a six-figure sum in prize money at the minimum, even if they finish last.

Many are household names who have won Majors in the past, the likes of Phil Mickelson, Ian Poulter, Brooks Koepka, Patrick Reed, Cameron Smith, Dustin Johnson, Sergio Garcia and Louis Oosthuizen.

Others in the Singapore field include Bryson DeChambeau, Graeme McDowell, Martin Kaymer and India’s Anirban Lahiri, who finished second at the event in Adelaide last week.

Six-time Major winner Mickelson, English Ryder Cup hero Poulter and Spanish sensation Garcia have played in the Lion City before at the Singapore Open. Garcia won that tournament in 2018, Poulter triumphed in 2009 and Mickelson’s best finish in his four appearances was ninth in 2008.

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The momentum continues to build for Mickelson this year following his captivating display at the US Masters when he was the runner-up thanks to a final-round seven-under 65.

That sensational final round brought him within striking distance of eventual champion Jon Rahm of Spain, and gave him a share of second place alongside fellow LIV Golf star and Smash GC team captain Koepka.

The duo finished just ahead of former Masters champion and 4Aces GC standout Patrick Reed, who completed the tournament tied for fourth spot.

Mickelson, who is still at the top of his game at the age of 52, said he is confident that his Masters showing is a true reflection of his form, and the sign of even better things to come.

The World Golf Hall of Famer said: “I’m hopeful that my Masters display catapults me into playing the rest of the year the way I believe I’m playing. I worked hard in the off-season to get ready. I’ve been shooting some really low scores at home, and I let it happen rather than trying to force it.”

Mickelson highlighted the positive impact that LIV Golf’s innovative format can bring to the game, as players battle it out in simultaneous team and individual championships over the course of the season.

The captain of the HyFlyers team, which includes James Piot, Brendan Steele and Cameron Tringale, said: “Having a team environment when I was in high school and college, it elevated my game – having players to play with, compete with. It brought a great energy and excitement. That’s what this is doing for me at LIV.”

Poulter, whose Majesticks team include Lee Westwood, Henrik Stenson and Sam Horsfield, said: “We are collectively working harder from a fitness perspective and from a practice perspective. We are trying to get as much time together as we can so the team dynamic continues to build. Hopefully, it will (give us) that winning combination.”

American Talor Gooch, who won in Adelaide to bag US$4 million in prize money, is with Rangegoats, the team headed by Bubba Watson and also includes Harold Varner III and Thomas Pieters.

Koepka leads Smash, Garcia heads Fireballs, Johnson propels Aces and Smith is lead man for Ripper in the 12-team contest.

Oosthuizen, who won the British Open in 2010 and had runner-up finishes in the other three Majors, captains an all-South African team that includes Branden Grace, Dean Burmester and Charl Schwartzel.

Oosthuizen, who lost to Italian Matteo Manassero in the Barclays Singapore Open in 2012 in a play-off, said: “Serapong is a great course. If you’re driving well, it’s going to be a big advantage. On lots of tee shots, you cannot bail out, you just have to stand there and absolutely rip it.”

Fans heading to Resorts World Sentosa – the presenting partner and official hotel of LIV Golf Singapore – can showcase their putting skills at a putting surface that is more than 32-m long.

There are many prizes to be won for those who participate in the “Longest Putt to LIV Golf” challenge, located at The Forum near the main casino entrance. These including tickets to RWS attractions, LIV Golf Singapore tickets, and premiums from golfing partner Leonian Singapore.