Cameron Smith and Marc Leishman made a grand entrance into Rundle Mall’s Gawler Place canopy, the clock just past noon on a bustling Tuesday. A tide of anticipation greeted them, their adoring fans having queued up a solid two hours in advance. As the Ripper GC duo settled in, they were met with a sea of eager faces, each hopeful for a moment with their golfing idols. For the next hour, Smith and Leishman indulged their fans’ fervor, graciously signing an array of items—from team hats and posters to golf balls and photos.
Yet, it was a single gesture that captured the hearts and headlines: when a young fan, cap adorned with the emblem of the Crushers GC, shyly offered up his prized possession for autographs, neither player hesitated. Perhaps, amidst the ink and fabric, lay the makings of a hex, a charm to unsettle the current leaders of the LIV Golf League.
This event marked not only a thrilling start to the week but also the unofficial public kickoff for LIV Golf Adelaide—a tournament that had become the league’s gold standard for attendance and enthusiasm. Last year’s turnout at The Grange Golf Club exceeded expectations, with over 77,000 fans flocking to witness three rounds of exhilarating action. This year promised even greater numbers, solidifying its status as one of the most attended golf events ever held in the Southern hemisphere. Ticket scarcity in recent weeks only added to the anticipation, underscoring the event’s undeniable allure.
Reflecting on the 2023 event, Smith remarked, “Last year was definitely our benchmark.” And judging by the city’s fervent embrace, it seemed history was poised to repeat itself. Adelaide, and by extension, the entire state of South Australia, had wholeheartedly embraced the tournament. A stroll through the Central Business District revealed a tapestry of promotion—signs adorning buildings, posters dominating bus stops, and a giant golf ball reigning supreme in the heart of the mall. Even the local airport bore witness to the excitement, its circular luggage carousels adorned with artificial grass, a subtle nod to the upcoming festivities.
For Leishman, the tournament’s resonance extended beyond the fairways and greens. “This is one of the few golf tournaments around the world that there’s a buzz around the whole city, not just at the golf course,” he mused. “There are only a handful of golf tournaments like that.” The sentiment was echoed by players from around the globe, drawn to Adelaide’s infectious energy and unwavering enthusiasm for the sport.
For the Ripper team, the stakes were clear: victory at LIV Golf Adelaide was the ultimate prize. After finishing eighth last year, they were determined to ascend to the summit, balancing off-course engagements with rigorous on-course preparation. The prospect of celebrating atop the podium, perhaps with shoeys in hand, fueled their determination.
But amidst the whirlwind of anticipation and ambition, Smith and Leishman remained grounded, their focus unwaveringly fixed on their devoted fans. Tuesday’s autograph session was just the beginning, with plans for a post-round gathering at The Grange on Friday. As they signed roughly 250 autographs each, they were reminded of the year-long wait since their last visit—a testament to the enduring excitement surrounding the tournament.
“It was a pretty big turnout last year,” Smith recalled. “And as soon as we left, we talked about this year. We’re excited to be back.” And with each pen stroke, each exchanged smile, the bond between players and fans grew stronger, a testament to the enduring magic of LIV Golf Adelaide.
