But with participation levels continuing to soar, Golf Australia, which is separate from the PGA of Australia and oversees grassroots development, will take the opportunity to promote its sport to the masses who have flocked to Adelaide for LIV.
Earlier this week, Norman ruled out Australia hosting a second LIV event each year despite the popularity of its Adelaide tournament, which was named the world’s best golf event for 2023.
“I knew the value of Australia, what Australia can represent to the game of golf and what Australia lacked,” Norman said. “Basically, the fans spoke in droves last year. They continue to speak this year.”
Last month, LIV withdrew its long-standing application for the official world golf rankings to grant status to the 54-hole events.
Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, which bankrolls LIV, and the PGA Tour are still working on an agreement to end the sport’s civil war.
Loading
Australia’s newest LIV defector, Lucas Herbert, said the format had been refreshing after he agreed to join Smith’s franchise earlier this year.
“I’m really loving the new schedule, the new tour, the new format and everything [that goes with it],” he said. “There’s definitely no regrets about joining for me. It’s a really exciting thing to be a part of.
“You watch from the sidelines, and it felt like the team aspect was a bit laughable really. You just didn’t think how these guys cared about the team.
“But it was amazing once I came over to experience how much guys do care about the team. It’s been really good to sit down on a Sunday night and think about that.