Golf is an old sport being brought anew with a recent rise in popularity. The game originated in 15th-century Scotland and was used as a pastime for aristocrats and soldiers, but has recently expanded its reach in recent years. Known as “the gentleman’s game,” golf is a sport based on its long-lasting roots and traditions of etiquette and sportsmanship. The PGA, golf’s most popular tour, is known for its heavily enforced set of rules and traditions that have hardly changed from a creation over 96 years ago.
So what change is causing this wave of new fans? Many believe it’s due to LIV, the new rising tour based out of Saudi Arabia. LIV challenges and modifies the long standing rules of the PGA. The tour has altered many pre-existing rules of the game, taking out many long-lived expectations of the PGA that have recently been critiqued as unnecessary and outdated by many fans, leading to a rise in viewership and overall engagement.
The new rising tour, LIV golf, uses various rules and ideas to speed up what was once considered the slow sport of golf. For example, the implication of a shotgun start has been introduced, allowing multiple groups to start on different holes at the same time. This increases excitement levels of fans and reduces round times by up to an hour, with the average round now residing around 4.5 hours as opposed to the original 5.5.
One of the key changes implemented by LIV is the creation of teams. Being able to create likeness in teams through logos, brands and even social media has helped LIV to stand out amongst the ever growing number of tours arising in the game of golf. One of the more notable players from LIV, Bryson DeChambeau, has amassed over 7 million followers throughout his social media accounts, engaging with other famous golfers and creators producing content that mixes professionalism with performance.
LIV golf’s decision to allow players to wear shorts in competitive play was seen as a bold breakaway from one of the oldest expectations in golf. Elaborating on the change, pro golfer Phil Mickelson stated, “I think this is a long time coming in the game of golf… It feels good. It’s more comfortable”. His comment highlights the approach LIV is taking to improve the comfort and enjoyment of golfers on the course.
LIV is reshaping the game of golf by breaking away from the traditions and expectations of the past, introducing modern changes that help golf reach a much wider audience than before. Whether welcomed or criticized, there’s no denying LIV’s impact on the future of golf is undeniable.
