LIV Golf goes below the lights.
Based on LIV Golf’s official web site, the season-opening occasion in Riyadh, scheduled for Feb. 6 to eight, will start at 6:15 p.m. native time in Saudi Arabia. Provided that Riyadh Golf Membership is eight hours forward of Japanese Normal Time, LIV Golf officers felt that conducting this occasion below the lights would assist attract American golf followers. American viewers will see LIV Golf’s first match of 2025 start at 10:15 a.m. ET — a a lot simpler wake-up than different tournaments held within the Center East.
Usually, main occasions held in Saudi Arabia or the United Arab Emirates start whereas a lot of the Western Hemisphere is asleep. The rounds often end by 8 a.m. or 9 a.m. ET, which implies followers within the West can’t catch the ending except they get up early.
However LIV officers determined to get artistic, utilizing lights to light up the course so the world’s most vital market might tune in at an affordable hour. Final month’s Crypto.com Showdown, which noticed PGA Tour stalwarts Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler defeat LIV Golf stars Bryson DeChambeau and Brooks Koepka, additionally occurred below the lights, maybe inspiring LIV officers to implement this tactic in Riyadh. The Showdown proved to be a significant letdown for quite a few causes, although, with one of many causes being the night-time sky. The golf ball was typically difficult to observe, however perhaps LIV’s broadcast staff will improve that with superior tracers and lighting to make sure simpler viewing.
One more reason for this unorthodox strategy may very well be LIV’s new broadcast cope with FOX Sports activities. The community plans to broadcast a wholesome dose of LIV occasions to america this 12 months, marking Fox’s first golf broadcast because the 2019 U.S. Open. But, it’s price noting that LIV’s season-opening occasion falls on the identical weekend because the Tremendous Bowl in New Orleans, which Fox owns the rights to this 12 months. Fox has but to announce whether or not or not it can air this season-opening occasion in Saudi Arabia, however the match is slated for Thursday, Feb. 6, to Saturday, Feb. 8, making certain that it doesn’t battle with the large recreation.
The WM Phoenix Open can be that weekend, thus organising a aggressive slate of golf between the PGA Tour and LIV.
At any charge, LIV officers are attempting one thing completely different, hoping to garner extra consideration throughout america.
Jack Milko is a golf employees author for SB Nation’s Taking part in By means of. Comply with him on X @jack_milko.
