LIV Golf International Series Archives - Golf Digest Middle East

The International Series tees up major partnership with Wynn, bringing elite-level golf to Macau for 2024

Harry Grimshaw — Tue, 14 Nov 2023 05:48:21 +0000

The International Series has announced a new partnership with Wynn, the world’s leading luxury integrated resort developer and operator, that will bring elite-level golf to the region with the International Series Macau presented by Wynn set to be hosted at the Macau Golf & Country Club from 14-17 March 2024.

The four-day tournament marks the region of Macau’s debut on The International Series, a set of 10 elevated events introduced on the Asian Tour through a landmark $300m investment with LIV Golf.

The high-profile tournament raises the stakes for golf in Macau and the region, drawing leading LIV Golf players and Major winners alike and signifying the Asian Tour’s increasing prestige on the global stage.

Golfing superstars including five-time Major winner Brooks Koepka, 2022 Champion Golfer of the Year Cam Smith, and 2017 Masters champion Sergio Garcia have graced The International Series stage throughout the season, an example of the significant star power regularly competing with the cream of the Asian Tour in high-profile events across Asia, Middle East, and UK.

A special press conference to announce the partnership and date was held at the Wynn Macau, with 2018 Masters champion Patrick Reed, 2010 US Open champion Graeme McDowell and Andy Ogletree, The International Series 2023 Order of Merit champion all in attendance after a fun activation where they targeted a floating green from an elevated tee box on the Wynn Macau rooftop.

Ms. Linda Chen, President and Vice Chairman of the Board of Wynn Macau Limited, said: “We are proud to sponsor the very first International Series Macau, part of a new elite tier of sporting events and entertaining offerings in Asia. This world-class golf tournament underscores our commitment to supporting the Macao SAR Government’s ‘1+4’ diversification development strategy, growing the sports industry, and strengthening the city’s position as a World Centre of Tourism and Leisure.”

Andy Ogletree, Graeme McDowell and Patrick Reed on a rooftop during the announcement of the International Series Macau Presented by Wynn.

Rahul Singh, Head of The International Series, said: “The International Series offers a dynamic platform with a proven track record for attracting big names. I would like to express my gratitude to Wynn Macau for allowing us to break new ground here, helping the Asian Tour and LIV Golf continue to develop what is now becoming the highest-level golf tournament series in Asia.”

Cho Minn Thant, Commissioner & CEO of the Asian Tour, warmly welcomed the tournament to Macau, and said: “We are truly excited The International Series will visit Macau for the first time in 2024. The Tour has visited Macau with regularity over the past two decades and today’s announcement is a tremendous development for golf in Macau’s burgeoning Greater Bay Area. The Asian Tour looks forward to working with Wynn Macau in helping to bring world-class golf to the area.”

International Series Macau is set to be an integral part of The International Series’ third season and ranks among one of the most elite international sporting events to take place in Macau. This top-tier golf tournament is a true testament of Wynn’s continued commitment toward elevating Macau’s position in the global sports arena and offering diversified experiences to visitors from around the world on an unprecedented level.

Graeme McDowell prepares to hit from the teebox on floor 28 of the Wynn Palace hotel, on his way to winning the Hole In One rooftop challenge in Macau.

Reed said: “Being a worldwide player is something that has always been important to me. It is one of the reasons I joined LIV Golf and why I enjoy playing The International Series events on the Asian Tour. It’s exciting to come to new places to grow the game and to make golf a truly global sport.

“Macau is a stunning setting and an ideal destination for the International Series. From a player perspective it is a great addition to the calendar where you get to play world-class golf against a quality field while staying at the Wynn Palace, one of the finest luxury resort hotels in Macau.”

McDowell, who currently plays on the LIV Golf League and regularly participates in events on The International Series, said: “I’ve always enjoyed coming to this part of the world, and I think Macau has all the makings of a wonderful tournament venue.

“The hotel is exceptional, and I look forward to playing tournament golf in front of the knowledgeable golf fans of the region. The International Series is a perfect fit for Macau as golf in China continues to develop.”

Andy Ogletree, Patrick Reed and Graeme McDowell line up shots on a teebox located on the rooftop of the Wynn Palace hotel in Macau.

Ogletree, a two-time winner on The International Series already this season with victories in Qatar and England, said: “I have played in many wonderful venues already on The International Series, and from my experience at the Wynn Macau, this is going to be a must-attend tournament next season.

“There is obviously real demand and great golf here, and this is a market that is only going to grow. Bringing some of the world’s best players next season can only help to cement Macau’s place on the international golfing market.”

Images: Asian Tour

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LIV Golf confirms 2023 plans, with $405m purse, relegation, League and International Series, franchise sponsorships and events across globe

Matt Smith — Wed, 27 Jul 2022 14:50:49 +0000

By Matt Smith
LIV Golf has unveiled its plans for 2023 with a league-based 14-tournament schedule that will travel across the globe, including promotion and relegation, branching into as many as 25 competitions throughout the year, and franchise branding.

The tournaments, with 12 established team franchises of four players each, will take place from North and Latin America, to Asia, Australia, the Middle East and Europe — with venues expected to be announced soon.

LIV Golf has also revealed its International Series, a circuit of events through a $300 million commitment to the Asian Tour, with ‘LIV-ers’ taking part in numerous events outside the League — taking the top stars already signed up with LIV Golf to locations such as Thailand, England, South Korea, Vietnam, the Middle East, Indonesia, China, Singapore, Hong Kong and across the Americas and Europe.

The top names currently signed up to LIV Golf include Americans Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka and Patrick Reed, European hitters Paul Casey, Ian Poulter, Sergio Garcia and Lee Westwood, plus a host of stars from the Asian Tour and beyond.

“In total, LIV Golf will deliver 25 tournaments worldwide in 2023 that will bring value, innovation and new audiences to the game of golf,” LIV Golf said in a statement.

“LIV Golf’s expanding global platform will add a new dimension to the golf ecosystem as we know it, one that provides an opportunity for players and fans around the world to help maximise our beloved sport’s true potential,” said Greg Norman, CEO and Commissioner of LIV Golf. “Our franchise model will bring new energy and excitement to fans from all corners of the world, establishing a league of teams to connect and grow with. The International Series will attract new talent and offer unprecedented pathways that develop the next generation of stars. LIV Golf is committed to making sustainable investments that grow the game now and for the future, and we are proud to turn these dreams into a reality.”

The LIV Golf League will continue the team and individual competition format in 2023, with players competing for an unprecedented $405 million in prize purses.

Not wishing to clash with already established events such as the four majors and tournaments such as the Ryder Cup, LIV Golf added: “Each season will culminate in a Team World Championship match-play grand finale. The 2023 league schedule will not compete with the majors, international team events or heritage events.”

With a reference to the fallout between LIV Golf and the PGA Tour, it added: “The best players in the game will always be able to make their own choices about where to play.”

With rumours of LIV Golf teams gaining sponsors in the future: “Each team will be led by one established Team Captain and will follow a franchise model akin to other sports. Team Captains will compete and have the ability to build their franchises as they see fit in an effort to gain the greatest fan following and sponsor interest.

“LIV Golf League will guarantee open competition with opportunities for promotions and relegations through the LIV Golf International Series, annually delivering new opportunities for international golfers, as well as pathways for amateurs and the next generation of leading players into elite professional golf. This format provides broad exemption categories so a wide spectrum of players can attempt to earn their way into the league. In addition, an end-of-season LIV Golf Promotions event will provide further opportunity for new talent to enter the league.”

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LIV Tour: Phil Mickelson opens up about time away from golf

Matt Smith — Wed, 08 Jun 2022 18:44:43 +0000

By Matt Smith
After all the Phil Mickelson furore, the man himself has opened up about what he has been up to over the past four months. And it seems he is putting family first.

The American 51-year-old stepped away from the spotlight ahead of his expected PGA Championship title defence last month, choosing instead to stay around his family.

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After his misguided comments and his attempt to take the PGA to task and leverage better conditions and money for players, Mickelson took some time out from the game and from the very heated spotlight.

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“I have had an awesome time,” he said following his dramatic self-imposed exile and recent return at the LIV Golf Invitational Series in London.

But with a laid-back posture, leather jacket on and a bit of a stubble, this was now a man who seemed to be back at ease with the world.

“I’ve had an opportunity to spend time with my wife [Amy] and travel to parts of the world. We spent time skiing at a place we have in Montana. We hiked in Sedona. What a beautiful place that is. I’ve had time to continue some of the therapy in areas of my life that have been deficient. It’s given me time to reflect on what I want to do going forward and what is best for me. And best for the people I care about.

“I went to my nephew’s little league games,” he continued. “I haven’t had a chance to do that my whole life. I went to my niece’s lacrosse games. I haven’t had a chance to do that either. This is an opportunity for me to still have golf in my life, but also have a balance where I can be more present. I can be more engaged with the people I really care about. That is why, when I think about being a part of LIV Golf, I feel so good about it.”

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