South Australia has cemented its reputation as the nation's major events capital, with LIV Golf Adelaide delivering a record-breaking year and officially becoming the biggest golf event in Australia's history.
More than 115,000 fans passed through the gates across the four spectacular days at The Grange Golf Club, eclipsing the 112,000 who attended the 2025 Australian Open, setting a new benchmark for golf events nationwide.
Saturday alone drew 38,500 spectators, marking the largest single-day crowd in LIV Golf history.
More than just a tournament, LIV Golf Adelaide has evolved into a global sporting spectacle - filling hotels, fuelling hospitality venues and drawing unprecedented crowds to The Grange Golf Club. The energy reached fever pitch on Sunday afternoon as Anthony Kim clinched the title, sending fans into a frenzy and capping off a weekend that showcased the noise, colour and spectacle that now defines golf in Adelaide.
With a global broadcast reach in the hundreds of millions, South Australia was once again on show to the world with a packed golf course, buzzing grandstands and festival atmosphere reinforcing why Adelaide has become the benchmark event on the LIV calendar.
The event delivered strong economic returns for the State, driving hotel occupancy to near capacity, boosting visitation from interstate and overseas, and supporting thousands of jobs across tourism, hospitality and events sectors.
Forward bookings across Adelaide hotels exceeded 85 per cent on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, equating to almost 10,000 rooms occupied each night on average.
Since its inception in 2023, LIV Golf Adelaide has injected more than $217 million into South Australia's economy, including a record $81 million contribution last year alone. With this year's attendance reaching new heights, the economic impact is expected to surpass previous results.
The expanded four-day, 72-hole tournament format, combined with world-class entertainment from Peking Duk, Royel Otis, John Summit and FISHER, delivered a festival atmosphere unmatched anywhere in global golf. Ripper Point returned bigger and bolder, the fan village buzzed with activity and thousands of families took advantage of free entry for children 12 and under and free public transport across the Adelaide Metro network.
The world's best players, including Cam Smith, Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau alongside Australia's rising star Elvis Smylie, delivered unforgettable moments on course, thrilling record crowds and millions watching globally.
Momentum is already building for the next chapter, with tickets for LIV Golf Adelaide 2027 going on sale today at 9am ACDT at livgolf.com. Fans are encouraged to secure tickets early, with strong demand expected following this year's record-breaking event.
LIV Golf Adelaide 2027 will be held from March 18-21 at Kooyonga Golf Club.
Premier of South Australia, Peter Malinauskas said LIV Golf Adelaide has delivered not just another successful tournament, but the biggest golf event in Australia's history.
"The event's success demonstrates the power of South Australia's major events strategy," Premier Malinauskas said.
"More than 115,000 fans turned out across four days, setting a new attendance record for LIV Golf globally and showcasing South Australia on the world stage.
"Our hotels were operating above 85 per cent occupancy, thousands of rooms were filled, and our hospitality venues were buzzing. That means real jobs and real economic benefit for South Australians.
"Since 2023, this tournament has injected more than $217 million into our economy. It's exactly why we back major events - they drive visitation, increase visitor expenditure, and support local businesses."
LIV Golf CEO, Scott O'Neil thanked the fans of Australia. There is something really special, almost magical, about the experience when you walk through this course. There is joy and there is respect for the game.
"To the Grange, thank you very much, and to Kooyonga, I love passing the torch to you," Mr O'Neil said.
"It's quite a humbling experience to say yes, we broke the all-time record in the history of Australia and yes this is a place we plan on being forever."
