Fans watch Phachara Khongwatmai of Crushers GC tees off on the 1st hole during day 3 of the LIV Golf Invitational – London at The Centurion Club on June 11, 2022 in St Albans, England. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde for LIV Golf via Getty Images)
The PGA Tour is the staid and secretive pro golf tour that’s basically been run like a monopoly for the past forty years. LIV Golf, on the other hand, is the upstart that is changing the way tour golf is run… and marketed.
Here are 25 ways that LIV Golf is different from the PGA Tour.
1. Commissioner of the People
The PGA Tour commissioner rarely even shows his face until the trophy presentation, never mind throwing out some Heinekens to the crowd.
LIV Golf commissioner Greg Norman tosses a beer from the deck of a pavilion on the 18th green during the final round of the LIV Golf Invitational – Portland at Pumpkin Ridge GC on July 2, 2022 in North Plains, Oregon. (Photo by Steve Dykes via Getty Images)Greg Norman, CEO and commissioner of LIV Golf, signs his autograph for a fan, and then poses with a hat type he made famous, during day three of the LIV Golf Invitational – Portland at Pumpkin Ridge GC on July 02, 2022 in North Plains, Oregon. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey for LIV Golf via Getty Images)
2. Pyrotechnics
The PGA Tour hands out a trophy and then says thank you and goodbye. The LIV Golf League puts on a made-for-TV show with pyrotechnics and whatnot.
A general view of the trophy ceremony is seen as Team Captain Dustin Johnson, Patrick Reed, Talor Gooch and Pat Perez of 4 Aces GC are honored after winning the team portion during day 3 of the LIV Golf Invitational – Portland at Pumpkin Ridge GC on July 2, 2022 in North Plains, Oregon. (Photo by Chris Trotman / LIV Golf via Getty Images)Team Captain Dustin Johnson (R) of 4 Aces GC alongside Patrick Reed (L) of 4 Aces GC on stage after winning the team award during day 3 of the LIV Golf Invitational – Portland at Pumpkin Ridge GC on July 2, 2022 in North Plains, Oregon. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey for LIV Golf via Getty Images)
3. Champagne Spray
The champagne spray is a great effect and gives off a big-league look in photos. It’s used often on the LPGA Tour, European Tour and the Ryder Cup. It’s never been used on the haughty PGA Tour – although we predict that will change soon.
Branden Grace of Stinger GC is sprayed with champagne by Team Captain Louis Oosthuizen after winning on the 18th green during day three of the LIV Golf Invitational–Portland at Pumpkin Ridge GC on July 2, 2022 in North Plains, Oregon. (Photo by Jamie Squire for LIV Golf via Getty Images)Team Stinger GC’s Hennie du Plessis and Branden Grace celebrate winning the team title of the LIV Golf Invitational-London at The Centurion Club on June 11, 2022 in St Albans, England. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde for LIV Golf via Getty Images)
4. Olympic-like Podiums
We’ve always advocated for the implementation of an Olympic-like medaling system to make it more exciting… and enticing. The LIV Golf series has implemented this type of award system, and while it doesn’t offer Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals (like we’d prefer), it does celebrate the top-3 finishers with trophies and podiums.
Branden Grace (C) of Stinger GC celebrates with the first-place trophy alongside runner-up Carlos Ortiz (L) of Fireballs GC and bronze winner Patrick Reed (R) of 4 Aces GC after the conclusion of the LIV Golf Invitational-Portland at Pumpkin Ridge GC on July 2, 2022 in North Plains, Oregon. (Photo by Chris Trotman for LIV Golf via Getty Images)Charl Schwartzel (center) poses with the winner’s trophy alongside runner-up Hennie du Plessis (left) and top-3 finisher Branden Grace (right) after day 3 of the LIV Golf Invitational at The Centurion Club on June 11, 2022 in St Albans, England. (Photo by Craig Mercer for MB Media via Getty Images)
5. Welcome Party
The PGA Tour doesn’t even show the players practicing beforehand, never mind parties. The LIV Golf Tour hosts a Tuesday ‘Welcome Party’ each tournament week so players can mingle with one another, and just create some buzz ahead of the event.
Team Captain Dustin Johnson, Talor Gooch and Patrick Reed of 4 Aces GC smile together during the LIV Golf Invitational – Portland Welcome Party at Redd on June 28, 2022 in Portland, Oregon. (Photo by Joe Scarnici/LIV Golf via Getty Images)A guest photographs Greg Norman, CEO and commissioner of LIV Golf, during the LIV Golf Invitational–Portland Welcome Party at Redd in Portland, Oregon on June 28, 2022. (Photo by Joe Scarnici for LIV Golf via Getty Images)
6. Shotgun Carts
One of the best aspects of the LIV Golf league is the shotgun start which ends the early/late waves and the unfairness related to weather.
Branden Grace of Stinger GC and golfers wait to be taken to their starting holes before the start of the round on day 2 of the LIV Golf Invitational – Portland at Pumpkin Ridge GC on July 1, 2022 in North Plains, Oregon. (Photo by Chris Trotman for LIV Golf via Getty Images)Golfers are driven in golf carts to their starting holes during day 3 of the LIV Golf Invitational – Portland at Pumpkin Ridge GC on July 02, 2022 in North Plains, Oregon. (Photo by Jamie Squire for LIV Golf via Getty Images)
7. Concerts
The LIV Golf event puts on concerts, among other types of entertainment, all week for its fans.
The band Hit Machine performs during day 1 of the LIV Golf Invitational-Portland at Pumpkin Ridge GC on June 30, 2022 in North Plains, Oregon. (Photo by Joe Scarnici for LIV Golf via Getty Images)James Morrison performs in concert following day 1 of the LIV Golf Invitational – London at The Centurion Club on June 9, 2022 in St Albans, England. (Photo by Joe Maher for LIV Golf via Getty Images)
8. VIP Transportation
LIV golfers get VIP transportation, replete with photographers waiting to snap up pics for marketing purposes.
Team Captain Bryson DeChambeau of Crushers GC arrives at Pumpkin Ridge GC on day 1 of the LIV Golf Invitational-Portland on June 30, 2022 in North Plains, Oregon. (Photo by Jamie Squire for LIV Golf via Getty Images)Team Captain Kevin Na of Iron Heads GC arrives to day 3 of the LIV Golf Invitational – Portland at Pumpkin Ridge GC on July 2, 2022 in North Plains, Oregon. (Photo by Chris Trotman for LIV Golf via Getty Images)
9. Team Caddie Bibs
Instead of the title sponsor on caddie bibs, LIV Golf promotes team names, front and back.
Dustin Johnson of 4 Aces GC tees off on the 2nd hole as Phil Mickelson of Hy Flyers GC looks on during day 1 of the LIV Golf Invitational – London at The Centurion Club on June 09, 2022 in St Albans, England. (Photo by Chris Trotman for LIV Golf via Getty Images)The caddie bib of Fireballs GC Captain Sergio Garcia is shown during day 2 of the LIV Golf Invitational-Portland at Pumpkin Ridge GC on July 1, 2022 in North Plains, Oregon. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey for LIV Golf via Getty Images)
10. Two Trophies
Two trophies are up for grabs during each tournament: individual and team.
LIV Golf Commissioner and CEO, Greg Norman, on the 1st tee during day 3 of the LIV Golf Invitational – London at The Centurion Club on June 11, 2022 in St Albans, England. (Photo by Matthew Lewis via Getty Images)LIV Golf trophies (Team (L) and Individual) are seen ahead of the LIV Golf Invitational at The Centurion Club on June 08, 2022 in St Albans, England. (Photo by Chris Trotman for LIV Golf via Getty Images)
11. London Cabs
LIV Golf branded London’s iconic cab for its inaugural event.
A LIV Golf branded London black cab taxi is seen ahead of the LIV Golf Invitational at The Centurion Club on June 8, 2022 in St Albans, England. (Photo by Joe Maher for LIV Golf via Getty Images)LIV Golf branded London black cab taxis are seen ahead of the LIV Golf Invitational at The Centurion Club on June 8, 2022 in St Albans, England. (Photo by Chris Trotman for LIV Golf via Getty Images)
12. British Trumpeters
LIV Golf also brought in Britain’s famous trumpeters for its London stop.
Trumpets players on day 1 of the LIV Golf Invitational – London at The Centurion Club in St Albans, England on June 9, 2022. (Photo by Steven Paston for PA Images via Getty Images)A tee marker is shown on the 1st tee during day 1 of the LIV Golf Invitational – London at The Centurion Club on June 9, 2022 in St Albans, England. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde for LIV Golf via Getty Images)
13. American Parachuters
For its first American event, LIV Golf brought in some patriotic parachuters.
A military parachuter lands on the course ahead of day 1 of the LIV Golf Invitational – Portland at Pumpkin Ridge GC on June 30, 2022 in North Plains, Oregon. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey for LIV Golf via Getty Images)A military parachuter is seen in the sky before landing on the course ahead of day 3 of the LIV Golf Invitational – Portland at Pumpkin Ridge GC on July 02, 2022 in North Plains, Oregon. (Photo by Charles Laberge for LIV Golf via Getty Images)
14. Driving Range
The PGA Tour never shows photos from the range. The LIV Golf league makes it a centerpiece.
LIV golfers practice on the driving range during day 1 of the LIV Golf Invitational – Portland at Pumpkin Ridge GC on June 30, 2022 in North Plains, Oregon. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey for LIV Golf via Getty Images)LIV golfers practice on the driving range ahead of day 2 of the LIV Golf Invitational – Portland at Pumpkin Ridge GC on July 1, 2022 in North Plains, Oregon. (Photo by Chris Trotman for LIV Golf via Getty Images)
15. Wayfinding Signs
Similar to the iconic wayfinding signs at Augusta National, these pointers have become a staple at LIV Golf events.
A wayfinding sign is seen during day 2 of the LIV Golf Invitational – Portland at Pumpkin Ridge GC July 1, 2022 in North Plains, Oregon. (Photo by Jamie Squire for LIV Golf via Getty Images)Wayfinding signs are seen during the pro-am prior to the LIV Golf Invitational – Portland at Pumpkin Ridge GC on June 29, 2022 in North Plains, Oregon. (Photo by Joe Scarnici for LIV Golf via Getty Images)
16. Fan Festival
LIV Golf’s tagline is ‘Golf But Louder.’ The Fan Festival conveys those words best.
Fans enjoy the atmosphere during day 3 of the LIV Golf Invitational – London at The Centurion Club on June 11, 2022 in St Albans, England. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde for LIV Golf via Getty Images)Spectators enjoy the Food Market in the Fan Zone during the final round of the Inaugural LIV Golf Invitational – London at The Centurion Club on June 11, 2022 in St Albans, England. (Photo by Montana Pritchard for LIV Golf via Getty Images)
17. Clean & Bold Branding
The PGA Tour’s branding is different each week with the change of title sponsor. LIV Golf, however, delivers the same exact branding each event, with a bold and clean look.
Dustin Johnson of 4 Aces GC putts on the 7th green during day 3 of LIV Golf Invitational – London at The Centurion Club on June 11, 2022 in St Albans, England. (Photo by Chris Trotman for LIV Golf via Getty Images)Phil Mickelson, of HY Flyers GC, putts on the 14th green, during day 3 of the LIV Golf Invitational Series at the Centurion Club, Hertfordshire on June 11, 2022. (Photo by Kieran Cleeves for PA Images via Getty Images)
18. Team Photos
The PGA Tour doesn’t have teams so you’d never see it, anyhow.
Pat Perez, Talor Gooch, Greg Norman, CEO and commissioner of LIV Golf, Team Captain Dustin Johnson and Patrick Reed of 4 Aces GC during the LIV Golf Invitational–Portland Welcome Party at Redd in Portland, Oregon on June 28, 2022. (Photo by Chris Trotman for LIV Golf via Getty Images)Greg Norman, Commissioner and CEO, poses for a photo with the golfers during the LIV Golf Invitational – Portland Welcome Party at Redd on June 28, 2022 in Portland, Oregon. (Photo by Chris Trotman for LIV Golf via Getty Images)
19. Poulter Plaid
No one rocks the plaid like Poulter. For now, only available on the LIV Golf tour.
Ian Poulter plays a shot on the practice range during a practice round prior to the LIV Golf Invitational–Portland at Pumpkin Ridge GC in No. Plains, Oregon on June 28, 2022. (Photo by Jamie Squire for LIV Golf via Getty Images)Ian Poulter of Majesticks GC plays his shot from the 6th tee during day 1 of the LIV Golf Invitational-Portland at Pumpkin Ridge GC on June 30, 2022 in North Plains, Oregon. (Photo by Chris Trotman for LIV Golf via Getty Images)
20. LIV Golf Ball
LIV giant golf ball has become popular after only two events.
A general view of the leaderboard on the 17th hole during day 2 of the LIV Golf Invitational – Portland at Pumpkin Ridge GC on July 1, 2022 in North Plains, Oregon. (Photo by Steve Dykes via Getty Images)A general view of signage during a practice round prior to the LIV Golf Invitational–Portland at Pumpkin Ridge GC in No. Plains, Oregon on June 27, 2022. (Photo by Steve Dykes for LIV Golf via Getty Images)
21. LIV Golf Taglines
‘Don’t Blink,’ one of LIV Golf’s two taglines (‘Golf, But Louder’ is the other), is promoted throughout the course.
Team Captain Dustin Johnson of 4 Aces GC lines up a putt on the 18th green during day one of the LIV Golf Invitational-Portland at Pumpkin Ridge GC on June 30, 2022 in North Plains, Oregon. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey for LIV Golf via Getty Images)Graeme McDowell of Niblicks GC tees off on the 4th hole during day 1 of the LIV Golf Invitational – London at The Centurion Club on June 9, 2022 in St Albans, England. (Photo by Joe Maher for LIV Golf via Getty Images)
22. DJ’S Swing
One of the most recognizable (and smoothest) swings in golf history can only be seen at LIV Golf events. Dustin Johnson tees off on the 7th hole during round two of the LIV Golf Invitational-Portland at Pumpkin Ridge GC on July 1, 2022 in North Plains, Oregon. (Photo by Steve Dykes via Getty Images)Louis Oosthuizen watches as Dustin Johnson tees off on the 16th hole ahead of the LIV Golf Invitational at The Centurion Club on June 08, 2022 in St Albans, England. (Photo by Charlie Crowhurst / LIV Golf via Getty Images)
23. Old School Tournament Names
The tournament names, simply based on location, bring us back in time, before the PGA sold the title rights to fund its purses.
Branding for the forthcoming LIV Golf event, is pictured on the 18th hole at The Centurion Club in St Albans, north of London, on May 11, 2022. (Photo by GLYN KIRK / AFP via Getty Images)A general view of signage during a practice round prior to the LIV Golf Invitational-Portland at Pumpkin Ridge GC on June 27, 2022 in North Plains, Oregon. (Photo by Steve Dykes / LIV Golf via Getty Images)
24. Team Logos
Similar to F1 Racing, the team logos play a big part in LIV Golf events.
Team of Fireballs GC (L-R) Captain Sergio Garcia, Carlos Ortiz, Abraham Ancer and Amateur Eugenio Lopez-Chacarra during the LIV Golf Invitational – Portland Welcome Party at Redd on June 28, 2022 in Portland, Oregon. (Photo by Joe Scarnici for LIV Golf via Getty Images)Fans at merchandise shop during day 2 of the LIV Golf Invitational – Portland at Pumpkin Ridge GC on July 1, 2022 in North Plains, Oregon. (Photo by Jamie Squire for LIV Golf via Getty Images)
25. Mega Video Board
Not only useful for fans on site, the mega video boards give off a high-end look as well.
Charl Schwartzel celebrates after winning the LIV Golf Invitational at The Centurion Club on June 11, 2022 in St Albans, England. (Photo by Matthew Lewis via Getty Images)Carlos Ortiz of Fireballs GC on the podium stage during the award ceremony after claiming the individual silver medal honors during day three of the LIV Golf Invitational – Portland at Pumpkin Ridge GC on July 02, 2022 in North Plains, Oregon. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey for LIV Golf via Getty Images)
Good luck to LIV golf. No golf fan gives a lick about team golf or having the guys on a podium to spray champagne.
Winning a LIV invitational means about as much as winning the CVS Charity Classic hosted by Brad Faxon and Billy Andrade back in the day. In other words, it means nothing.
Why did LIV target guys that had kind of an oblong attitude like Garcia, Reed, DeChambeau, Johnson, Koepka, etc. Not the most likeable bunch.
Winning a LIV invitational means about as much as winning the CVS Charity Classic hosted by Brad Faxon and Billy Andrade back in the day. In other words, it means nothing.
Why did LIV target guys that had kind of an oblong attitude like Garcia, Reed, DeChambeau, Johnson, Koepka, etc. Not the most likeable bunch.