As a relatively new golf fan, I got hooked about two or three years ago when Chase Koepka’s hole-in-one on the watering hole went viral. I’m not your typical old-school golf fan; it was the lively and fun atmosphere that really drew me in. The chance to have a drink, enjoy top-level golf, and be part of a unique sports event was too good to pass up. With high expectations, I set off for the 2024 LIV Golf event, confident I’d have a great time meeting like-minded people and witnessing world-class sport. My journey began with a red-eye Qantas flight on Friday night, and upon arrival, I checked into The Lakes Hotel, which was both comfortable and conveniently located near the course.

I entered the course at around 10:30 am. It was already buzzing inside. Although I could have gotten there earlier, I treated myself to a sleep-in after my late flight the night before. The course was awe-inspiring. The golfing conditions were the best I’ve ever seen. The fairways were lush and green, the greens were challenging yet impeccably maintained, and even the bunkers looked pristine. It was clear that a lot of effort went into preparing the venueThe atmosphere was buzzing with excitement. It was a vibrant, multicultural event with a variety of food, beverages, and entertainment areas. Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves, creating an electric environment that was contagious. I spent most of my time in the hospitality area, the Shark Shack, which offered great views of the tee box and green of the 12th hole and also backed onto the 11th green. It was a fantastic spot to watch the action.

I was naturally excited to see Cameron Smith, there was something special about seeing the Aussie, playing in Aus! But being a Crushers GC fan, seeing Bryson DeChambeau in action was a personal highlight. The lineup of top-tier players added to the thrill of the event. Although I didn’t get to meet any of the golfers personally, being in the Shark Shack on the Watering Hole was an unforgettable experience. Known as the party hole, it lived up to its reputation. The golfers were in high spirits, engaging with the crowd and even having their own walkout songs. It was a unique and exhilarating aspect of the event. The Watering Hole had its own personal MC, host, and DJs who kept everyone entertained throughout the day.

One of the most rewarding parts of the day was meeting incredible people, some of whom I still keep in touch with and have played rounds of golf with since. The connections made added a personal touch to the event. I also heard that US Open champion Bryson DeChambeau gave away his socks… How odd.

Having only attended regional tournaments before, this event surpassed all my expectations. The energy and excitement were palpable even when watching the coverage in bars and airports. The entire event felt like golf but better—fun, lively, and engaging. The event had several unique features that stood out, including large screens with visuals, lights, and music. A live performance by DJ FISHER on Saturday night added to the festive atmosphere, making it feel like a blend of a concert and a sports event.

 

The event was well-organized and managed, with reasonable prices for food and beverages compared to other professional sports events. The seating arrangement and viewing areas were perfect, with enough people to create a lively atmosphere but not so crowded that it caused long queues. The weather was perfect, with mid-20s Celsius, ideal for golfing. The crowd was diverse, mostly men aged 25-50, but there were plenty of women enjoying the action too. The inclusive atmosphere made everyone feel welcome and part of the event.

Considering the price of other elite-level sporting events, the hospitality was not too badly priced—especially when you consider it’s an all-day event. The value provided was well worth the cost, making it accessible to many fans. At the end of the event, DJ FISHER closed Saturday night with an incredible set, leaving everyone buzzing. It was the perfect way to end a fantastic day. My only regret was not staying in the CBD. Although my hotel was amazing and conveniently located near the course, there wasn’t much to do afterward, limiting my options unless I wanted to travel back into the city.

Would I recommend attending a LIV Golf event? Absolutely! Whether you’re a traditional golf fan or someone looking for a lively sports experience, there’s something for everyone. At the end of the event, I felt gutted because I wanted more, but that only fuels my excitement for next year. The 2024 LIV Golf event was a day to remember, and I can’t wait for the next one. As soon as I landed back in Perth, I started planning for the 2025 event!