Tour winner says LIV Golf deserves more credit

DP World Tour winner Eddie Pepperell has praised LIV Golf for ‘delivering’ on one front.

Despite having doubts over the league’s sustainability, the Englishman says it deserves credit for bringing a younger audience to professional golf.

Much has been made of LIV’s unique atmosphere, with party holes and blaring music appealing to a far less traditional demographic.

And that is one positive Pepperell can take from the Saudi-startup’s breakthrough.

“There does seem to be a lust for feeling and experience and it makes sense,” he said on the Chipping Forecast podcast.

“Young people, in particular, are devoid of this and they want to do something that makes them feel something, at least.

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“I don’t think the competitive spirit of an event is connecting with young people anymore. For whatever reason. But they want to go somewhere – and young people are drinking less – but they want to feel something.

“To LIV’s credit, and it needs to be said, they are delivering on that front.

“It’s unusual that it’s in reverse of what we’ve seen in the past with other sports, but credit where credit’s due.”

With it’s ‘Golf But Louder’ slogan, LIV has aimed towards attracting a more youthful fanbase since its inception in 2022.

Last year LIV Golf broadcaster Jerry Foltz said: “Our audience is so much younger and so much newer to the game generally than a traditional PGA Tour audience.”

The model has prompted doubts over whether it can survive in the long-term, according to Pepperell. For now, though, he says LIV should be commended.

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“It’s costing them a lot of money,” the 33-year-old said. “Whether it’s sustainable, I have my doubts.

“But at this point they are giving young people a good time at their events, and they should be applauded for that.”

That was more evident than ever at LIV Golf UK last week, when a packed-out crowd descended on JCB Golf and Country Club, in Staffordshire.

During Friday’s opening round, one fan stripped down and took a plunge in a water hazard before another almost fell into the greenside bunker at the par-3 ninth.

In an attempt to retrieve Ian Poulter’s ball after he threw it towards the gallery, the rowdy spectator tumbled straight through the fan barrier.

John Turnbull A graduate of the University of Stirling, John joined the bunkered team in 2023 as a Content Producer, with a responsibility for covering all breaking news, tour news, grassroots content and much more besides. A keen golfer, he plays the majority of his golf at Falkirk Tryst Golf Club. Top of his 'bucket list' is a round of Pebble Beach... ideally in the company of Gareth Bale.