Cameron Smith has given his honest view on The Grange course ahead of LIV Golf’s flagship event in Adelaide this week.
Greg Norman’s breakaway league returns Down Under after a highly successful 2023 event.
The Great White Shark and Co have hit the headlines this week as the Saudi-backed venture continues to gather pace.
LIV’s CEO and Jon Rahm answered questions from the local press on Tuesday. It’s fair to say the partisan Aussie media avoided any questions surrounding the golf league’s Saudi Arabian support.
Adelaide was a success last year, so it’s easy to see why criticism isn’t as fierce. Norman seemed in a confident mood and even suggested he has held talks with another ‘top’ PGA Tour star.
Cameron Smith details changes he’s noticed to The Grange ahead of LIV Golf Adelaide
After Norman, Rahm and South Australia’s premier Peter Malinaskas had vacated the stage. Smith’s Ripper’s team were wheeled out in what appears to be an excellent PR stunt.
At no point were the predominantly Australian press going to hit the LIV Golf rebels with the same level of vitriol they would’ve faced at last week’s Masters.
“I think the golf course is similar the greens seem like they have a little bit more bounce in it,” said Smith.
“They were a little bit crumbly last year. It was hard to gauge how far the ball was going to run out on some holes.
“They definitely seem a lot more consistent. I think what Talor Gooch did last year was pretty insane. I don’t think we will see that again. We were just looking at his stats.
“Looking at what he did it was pretty insane golf. I think we will get somewhere near where he finished, but those first couple of rounds, don’t expect 20-under to be leading after two rounds.”
LIV Golf has certainly gained Australian support
The Saudi-backed league clearly have some excellent PR professionals behind the scenes. Picking a city like Adelaide – not Australia’s sporting capital – to increase popularity.
LIV coming to town allows supporters to see some top-class golf – something that could see a new generation of fans emerge. Furthermore, Norman has used the Australian crowd to his advantage.
The crowds Down Under embrace the chaotic scenes, music, and general carnival theme. Those not overly interested in Golf could become hooked mainly down to having an enjoyable day out.
It’s an interesting ploy that’s certainly done a job in Adelaide.
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