LIV GOLF ANNOUNCES SCOTT O’NEIL AS NEW CEO OF THE GLOBAL GOLF LEAGUE

 

LIV Golf today announced Scott O’Neil as new Chief Executive Officer of the company, effective immediately. O’Neil will drive the strategic vision, business operations, and global growth for the league, its 13 teams and roster of world-class golfers, and its efforts to drive positive impact. Greg Norman, who has been instrumental to the launch of LIV Golf as its first CEO and Commissioner, will hand off day-to-day management, but will remain involved with LIV Golf. O’Neil’s appointment represents the reach of LIV Golf’s early success and positions the league for the next phase of sustained growth as it remains focused on modernizing and supercharging the sport with a first-of-its-kind team competition and experience for the next generation golf fan around the world.    “On behalf of the Board of Directors, we welcome Scott to the LIV Golf family, knowing he will capitalize on everything that has been accomplished over the past three years,” said LIV Golf Board Chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan. “Scott has the passion, the tenacity, and the vision to continue leveraging LIV Golf’s position as a pre-eminent, global sports and entertainment company and to lead our amazing teams and players for years to come.”   “When we launched LIV Golf, there was no one that made more sense to lead the organization other than Greg Norman. I thank him for everything he has done to establish, launch and grow our league. He has been instrumental to LIV’s success.”   Prior to being named CEO of LIV Golf, O’Neil served as CEO of Merlin Entertainments, responsible for overseeing the business operations and global growth across its 140+ attractions in 23 countries. Before Merlin, O’Neil served as CEO for Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (HBSE), a portfolio of professional sports, entertainment, and investment properties, where he oversaw more than $2 billion of growth in enterprise value centered on bringing innovation to the industry.   O’Neil has more than 25 years of experience in leading and managing global sports and entertainment brands. With a reputation for innovation, strategic and global brand development and partnerships, and a passion for culture and talent development, O’Neil has stewarded some of the sports and entertainment industry’s most renowned and iconic brands and properties, including the NBA’s New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers, the NFL’s Philadelphia Eagles, the NHL’s New York Rangers and New Jersey Devils, and the internationally ranked sports and entertainment arenas, Madison Square Garden and Prudential Center.   “The opportunity to lead a global sports league is a dream come true. I am grateful and humbly thank the members of the LIV Golf Board of Directors and its Chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan for believing in my strategic vision, growth plan, and passion for this league,” said O’Neil. “LIV Golf is the world’s first global golf league and, with the best teams and players competing around the world, it represents sports entertainment at the highest level.   “What LIV Golf has achieved in just three years is remarkable – the game has been infused with a long overdue bolt of energy and innovation with the team model, players have increased freedom and rights, fans are getting the access they have always wanted, and the game has been brought to new markets that have been desperate for elite golf for decades.   “There has never been a better time to unlock real financial investment, bring team golf and innovation to the forefront, drastically lower the fan age demographic, and put fan experience and fun at the center of everything we do. LIV Golf represents the future of the sport and will ensure the future of the golf ecosystem for years to come.”   Announced as LIV Golf’s first CEO and Commissioner in October 2021, Greg Norman was a pioneer who helped pave the way for its significant growth and success during his three years leading the world’s first global golf league, including establishing its groundbreaking team and competition format, roster of the world’s top golfers and connections to many of the best courses in the world.   “First and foremost, congratulations to Scott. He is exactly the type of experienced professional who understands the unique and powerful combination of entertainment and sports that LIV Golf exemplifies. The league will be in very good hands with him at the helm,” said Greg Norman.   “I started this journey more than 30 years ago, knowing in my heart and mind that the game of golf and its professional players were undervalued, delivering a product that felt stagnant. With LIV Golf, we changed the game forever. None of this would have been possible without the vision and leadership of LIV’s Chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan. He always knew what was possible and he never wavered from his belief that golf and the business of golf could be more than it was in the past.”   “I couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve accomplished or more pleased with where the league stands today. I’m excited to pass the baton of day-to-day management and continue to help do what I can to grow LIV Golf. LONG LIV GOLF!”

Excitement builds as countdown continues for inaugural Vilamoura Pro-Am

  The countdown is on as one of Europe’s newest amateur tournaments, the Vilamoura Pro-Am, gets ready to commence across three of the Algarve’s best golf courses in February 2025.

 

Set to be played from 10-14 February 2025, PGA Professionals and amateur golfers can still register, as limited spaces remain, for the hotly anticipated event. In addition to entering a team of four with their own PGA Professional, amateurs also now have the option to play as an individual and be assigned a team.  

 

The inaugural event will see three exciting rounds played across the Old Course, Millennium and Pinhal courses in Vilamoura, as well as a range of energising evening entertainment that includes a welcome reception, dinner & drinks party, and a farewell dinner.

 

 

Participants will have the exciting opportunity to play the Old Course, known as the ‘Grande Dame’ of the Algarve, which underwent a series of significant improvements last summer to cement its place among the best courses in Europe. In addition to on-course improvements, the venue also unveiled a refreshed brand identity alongside a new state-of-the-art Clubhouse.

 

Competitors will be hosted in 5-star premium accommodation at the Hilton Vilamoura, featuring the prestigious 7 Seven Spa, one of the largest in Portugal.

 

 

Nuno Sepulveda, Co-CEO at DETAILS, said: “Excitement is building as we prepare for the upcoming Vilamoura Pro-Am, which promises to be a truly exceptional event. Not only will it bring together incredible golfing talent, but it also offers a unique opportunity to showcase the beauty and vibrancy of Vilamoura. With several upgrades having been made to key sport and hospitality facilities in the area, we’re confident participants will experience the very best of what the destination has to offer, both on and off the course.”

 

PGA Professionals and amateurs interested in entering, either as a team or an individual, should visit www.vilamoura-pro-am.com to register.

 

 

Managed by DETAILS, a series of major developments and upgrades have been announced in recent times across the area, including the renovation of the Equestrian Centre and its return to the international showjumping circuit, as well as the unveiling of the first Els Club in Europe, reinforcing Vilamoura’s status as a quality leisure destination. 

 

For more information about the Vilamoura Pro-Am click here.

  

COUPANG PLAY ANNOUNCED AS PRESENTING PARTNER OF LIV GOLF KOREA

                                           

 LIV Golf and Coupang Play today announced a new partnership for the League’s inaugural event in Korea, taking place at the Jack Nicklaus Golf Club Korea from May 2-4, 2025. The tournament will be officially known as LIV Golf Korea presented by Coupang Play, with the championship course in Incheon hosting the League’s star-studded field and “Golf, But Louder” experience that has been embraced by fans across the globe.

 
The multi-year partnership further establishes LIV Golf's presence in Korea, with Coupang Play serving as a principal partner for Iron Heads GC, a team with three Korean-born players, as well as a marketing partner and the exclusive broadcast partner for LIV Golf in South Korea. The country’s leading streaming service will bring the excitement of all LIV Golf tournaments, including live coverage of this exciting debut event, to Korea's passionate golf fans.
 
Coupang, Korea's largest e-commerce company, launched its video streaming app Coupang Play in 2020. Coupang Play has cemented its position as an unparalleled presenter of world-class sports events in Korea, including the annual ‘Coupang Play Series’ and the ‘MLB World Tour Seoul Series presented by Coupang Play 2024’. It has also received acclaim for its high-quality coverage of sports such as national football team matches, K League, European football leagues, F1, NFL, Davis Cup, FIBA Asia Cup, and the Masters Tournament – and it now adds coverage of all LIV Golf events to its major global sports portfolio.  
 
"As we expand the League schedule, we are thrilled to welcome Coupang Play as the presenting partner for the first-ever LIV Golf Korea," said Ross Hallett, LIV Golf Executive Vice President & Head of Events. "Coupang Play’s leading streaming service and ticketing operation, together with their significant presence throughout the country, makes them the ideal partner to bring the full LIV Golf experience to another major market in Asia, aligned with our ambition to make LIV Golf Korea one of the biggest events of 2025. Given Coupang Play’s local market expertise and variety of services, they will be an invaluable partner as we attract fans to attend the event and engage with LIV’s exciting brand of team competition in what is an incredibly important market for our League.”
 
“We are proud to partner with LIV Golf, the world’s first global team golf league, known for its star-studded roster and bold innovations that are breaking new ground in sports entertainment,” said John Lee, Head of Sports at Coupang Play. “With our experience in bringing global sports events such as the ‘Coupang Play Series’ and ‘MLB World Tour’ to Korea, we are confident that fans will experience only the best with LIV Golf Korea.”
 
Coupang Play is the first principal partner of Iron Heads GC, captained by Korean-American star Kevin Na and featuring hometown hero Danny Lee, budding Japanese talent Jinichiro Kozuma, and Yubin Jang, a nextgen Korean star and No.1 golfer from the KPGA. Jang, coming off one of the best seasons of his career this year, winning four KPGA titles including the KPGA Grand Prize, recently joined the Iron Heads and will make his LIV Golf debut in February. LIV Golf Korea presented by Coupang Play will be Jang’s first tournament in Korea as a player on the LIV Golf League and will also mark the 10-year anniversary of the memorable 2015 Presidents Cup, held at Jack Nicklaus Golf Club Korea. In that historic event, the Incheon-born Lee represented the International Team and notably defeated fellow LIV Golf player Dustin Johnson 1UP in the Sunday singles matches in front of his home crowd.
 
The partnership between Iron Heads GC and Coupang Play will provide fans with exclusive access to the team in the lead-up and throughout the tournament, strengthening the Iron Heads’ presence and popularity in South Korea. The team will also carry the Coupang Play logo on their uniforms throughout the 2025 season.
 
"Our team is proud to partner with Coupang Play, one of the most recognizable brands in the country that is committed to connecting audiences with the top sports leagues in the world," said Martin Kim, General Manager of Iron Heads GC. "We look forward to giving our fans in Korea exclusive content through Coupang Play so they can embrace their new hometown team and see the Iron Heads as they've never seen us before."
 
Entering its third official league season in February, the LIV Golf League features an exciting blend of individual and team competition that has supercharged the sport, redefined how golf is experienced and captivated fans worldwide. Each tournament features 54 holes played over three rounds with shotgun starts, where all teams begin play simultaneously on different holes. Fans can watch the star-studded field in action, including 2024 LIV Golf Individual Champion, Jon Rahm (Legion XIII), 2024 Team Champion Ripper GC captained by Cameron Smith, Bryson DeChambeau (Crushers GC), Brooks Koepka (Smash GC), Dustin Johnson (4Aces GC), Sergio Garcia (Fireballs GC), and many more, via Coupang Play's streaming service and in person, May 2-4, 2025, at the Jack Nicklaus Golf Club Korea. 

Breathtaking new sports centre to elevate Vilamoura and Portugal

 

 

DETAILS and US planning experts Next Practice Partners collaborate on visionary project in the refined Vilamoura resort

A stunning new state-of-the-art sports centre will be the latest jewel added to the crown of leisure facilities enjoyed by visitors to Vilamoura in the Algarve, Portugal. DETAILS, the management company which oversees all Arrow Global’s hospitality and sporting assets in the elegant area of Vilamoura, beside the Mediterranean coast, has announced a partnership with US-based agency Next Practice Partners (NPP) on the ambitious project. NPP, a renowned leader in innovative and inclusive planning practices, has professional experience at world class venues such as the Disney / ESPN Wide World of Sports (220 acres with 70+ sports) and an impressive portfolio of clients in operational, strategic and business planning, including the City of Las Vegas (Sports and Entertainment Capital of the World), Los Angeles County (home of the LA 2028 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games), and the Indiana Sports Corp (the first and leading sports commission in the United States). As per the partnership, NPP will lead the concept, strategic and business plan development for one of the largest sports centre footprints in all of Europe, with the 25-hectare site due to open in 2026. NPP will also provide additional services including project consultancy and benchmarking.   The new Sports Centre will be a cutting-edge, international facility, with a focus on current and future trends. ESG compliant, it will prioritize sustainability while also supporting the local community, ensuring inclusivity and social responsibility. DETAILS already boasts a staggering stable of sporting facilities across its golf and hotels portfolio in Vilamoura, including the new Els Club Vilamoura and the Old Course, the Algarve’s second oldest course designed by Frank Pennick. The Old Course recently completed an extensive renovation to elevate on-course playability and ESG measures, as well as unveil a new clubhouse with a premium gastronomic experience. The development of the Sports Centre will also complement the updated Equestrian Centre at Vilamoura which is scheduled to return to international competition as part of GRANDPRIX’s Winter Series in October 2025. Nuno Sepulveda, Co-CEO at DETAILS, said: ‘We have several innovative building projects and improvements ongoing to our properties in Vilamoura, but this new development, which we will be working in the concept alongside with NPP, is a particularly exciting venture. This will mark not only a new era of sports for Vilamoura but also for Portugal. ‘With this new sports centre, we will have a suite of facilities that few luxury resorts across Europe can compete with. Our main aim is to transform Vilamoura as an elite sports and leisure destination, attracting visitors from all over the world each year. Holiday makers, property owners, families, sports enthusiasts, high performance sports athletes – this place will be an international demand driver and a game changer to the area. ‘We want Vilamoura to become a pioneer in sporting excellence and this project is really the start of that exciting journey. We know in NPP we have a brilliant partner with whom we are looking forward to working on this landmark development.’ Neelay Bhatt, Founder & CEO of Next Practice Partners, said: ‘At Next Practice Partners, we believe in the power of sport to inspire greatness and to unite communities. The greatest successes don’t come from following status quo and best practices but from innovation and disruption to create next practices. Our collaboration with DETAILS showcases what can be achieved when we dream big and dare to be different. ‘Envisioned as more than just a facility, the Vilamoura Sports Center will be a place where the spirit of sport and the passion for excellence unite. It will be testament to the belief that through visionary thinking, we can create spaces that not only serve but uplift, challenge, and inspire all who enter,’ he added. The DETAILS portfolio in Vilamoura also includes a new residential project, Dom Pedro Residences, 83 luxury apartments facing the sea, in addition to the Hilton Vilamoura, and Dom Pedro Portobelo, Dom Pedro Marina and Dom Pedro Vilamoura four-star hotels. -

SPORTS IMPACT APPOINTS NICK ADDECOTT AS CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER

                             

-Experienced sports industry executive to drive strategic initiatives for leading agency-

Sports Impact, the award-winning independent sports PR, Marketing & Sponsorship agency specialising in golf, has appointed experienced sports industry executive Nick Addecott as its Chief Marketing Officer to drive strategic initiatives and enhance the agency’s bespoke marcoms services to clients worldwide.

Addecott, who is based in London and has previous golf industry expertise with the agency’s longest serving client, Wilson Golf, has assumed the role of directing PR, marketing, and sponsorship strategies to deliver standout coverage and exposure across all media platforms.

He has more than 20 years of senior management and board level experience on his resume having worked as Managing Director for WSM Communications and more recently as a Director for Maverick Sports & Entertainment where he oversaw the creation of sponsorship strategies and activation campaigns for some of the world’s most famous brands and sporting personalities. Nick is highly experienced in sports technology, digital solutions, and social media, with a proven track record in the industry. He has held key positions, including head of global partnerships at Tappit and more recently as Product Sales Specialist with Sony’s sports business, Pulselive.

“We are excited to have Nick join our team, as his extensive experience in sports marketing and sponsorship truly stood out,” said CEO Natalie Collard. “With an average client retention rate of over 12 years, we take great pride in delivering outstanding results for some of the most prestigious brands in golf. We are also committed to continuously enhancing our services, and Nick will be a key contributor to our ongoing growth,” she added.

Commenting on his appointment, Nick said: “I’m delighted to be joining Sports Impact and look forward to working with the agency’s impressive portfolio of premium brands. The team has built strong relationships with its clients and media partners and I want to support the continued success of the agency with some refreshing ideas designed to elevate brand reputations and grow sales.”

The move follows a period of continued expansion for the agency. Recent new business acquired includes a PR role for both Sun Mountain and brand new clients New Balance Golf across Europe, as well as an expansion of the agency’s existing PR and commercial role with long-term partners Wilson Golf into Scandinavia.

Since 2001, Sports Impact has delivered bespoke marketing communications services to clients across the globe. Specializing in golf while extending its expertise to football, rugby, tennis, and skiing, the agency crafts carefully thought-out strategies, as well as advises on tactical advertising and cost-effective sponsorships to deliver standout exposure.

Among the global brands and venues represented by Sports Impact in terms of international media relations, effective storytelling and strategic communications advice are Brand Fusion International, Crail Golfing Society, Duca del Cosma, Galvin Green, Golf’s Greatest Holes, KBS, Meldrum House, Motocaddy, New Balance Golf, Prostate Cancer UK, Sun Mountain and Wilson Golf.

**More details about the agency and its services can be found at: www.sports-impact.com.

El International Series Golf 2025 volverá a Rabat( Marruecos )

                       

La International Series Golf 2025 Serie regresa a cinco destinos populares esta próxima temporada como parte de un emocionante calendario que abrirá nuevos caminos, consolidando mercados clave y se alineará fuertemente con el calendario de la LIV Golf League. Ya se ha confirmado que la temporada comenzará en la Serie Internacional de India presentada por DLF en Gurugram, cerca de Delhi, como parte de una expansión estratégica hacia nuevos mercados.

Siguiendo con esa declaración de apertura, cinco torneos establecidos también regresarán al calendario de 2025 con fechas en Macao, Marruecos, Indonesia, Hong Kong y Arabia Saudita a lo largo de la temporada, lo que refuerza la sólida posición que la Serie Internacional ya tiene en territorios clave de golf en la región MENA y Asia. En medio del interés genuino de los posibles destinos anfitriones en una amplia variedad de mercados, también se han publicado las fechas de los cuatro torneos restantes, y aumenta la expectativa sobre las ubicaciones que trazarán un nuevo territorio para la Serie Internacional. La cuarta campaña ha sido cuidadosamente diseñada para alinearse con el calendario de la LIV Golf League. Esta estrategia ofrece a los mejores jugadores del Asian Tour la oportunidad de ponerse a prueba contra los mejores del mundo, al tiempo que permite a los jugadores de alto perfil de la LIV Golf League ganar un tiempo de juego invaluable y hacer crecer el deporte en diferentes destinos.

Como se confirmó previamente, la temporada comenzará con un gran arranque, ya que The International Series hace su primera entrada de alto perfil en el subcontinente en la inauguración de la International Series India presentada por DLF (30 de enero - 2 de febrero). El comienzo se llevará a cabo en el exclusivo DLF Golf and Country Club en Gurugram, la semana anterior a LIV Golf Riyadh en Arabia Saudita (6-8 de febrero). A continuación, regresará a la Gran Área de la Bahía para la segunda edición de la International Series Macau presentada por Wynn (20-23 de marzo), una semana después de la doble jornada de LIV Golf en Hong Kong (7-9 de marzo) y Singapur (14-16 de marzo). El campeón defensor John Catlin firmó un famoso 59 y dio inicio a una campaña impresionante con su emocionante victoria en el desempate a muerte súbita sobre el español David Puig en el evento de debut del año pasado.

Las International Series Morocco (del 3 al 6 de julio) también regresan al calendario por segundo año consecutivo y tercero en cuatro en el Red Course del Royal Golf Dar Es Salam( Rabat) la semana antes del LIV Golf Andalucia (del 11 al 13 de julio). El neozelandés Ben Campbell es el campeón defensor después de su emocionante victoria en el desempate sobre Catlin. El BNI Indonesian Masters (del 28 al 31 de agosto), ganado este año con mucho estilo por el canadiense Richard T Lee, regresa al calendario por cuarto año consecutivo. El Link Hong Kong Open (del 30 de octubre al 2 de noviembre), ganado por Patrick Reed después de un notable 59 en el Composite Course de Fanling, también regresa para una tercera edición, mientras que el PIF Saudi International de 5 millones de dólares de final de temporada impulsado por SoftBank Investment Advisers también está en el calendario con una fecha aún por confirmar. Joaquín Niemann se llevó los honores en el evento de este año con una emocionante victoria en el play-off sobre sus compañeros de la LIV Golf League, Cam Smith y Caleb Surratt. El resultado también le dio al chileno el título de la Clasificación de la Serie Internacional para 2024.

Greg Norman, director ejecutivo y comisionado de LIV Golf, dijo: “Asia y las regiones MENA son territorios importantes para la industria mundial del golf, y estamos aprovechando estos mercados a través de la LIV Golf League y The International Series. “Es alentador ver un interés genuino en nuestros productos. Con The International Series ofreciendo un camino hacia la LIV Golf League para la próxima generación en nuestros eventos sancionados por el Asian Tour, el talento que surge de la región solo se hará aún más fuerte mientras que la reputación de Asia y la región MENA como destinos de golf continúa creciendo”.

Rahul Singh, director de la International Series, afirmó: "Ya hemos visto evidencia de nuestra expansión estratégica en nuevos territorios importantes con nuestro reciente anuncio de la International Series India presentada por DLF, y ahora podemos confirmar un bienvenido regreso con socios importantes en mercados clave establecidos. “Esta combinación cuidadosamente seleccionada de nuevos lugares y torneos establecidos, todos en destinos de golf populares, subraya nuestra fortaleza como marca y la propuesta única que ofrecemos en la industria del golf global”.

Cho Minn Thant, comisionado y director ejecutivo del Asian Tour, agregó: "Los eventos de la International Series son una parte importante de nuestro calendario en el Asian Tour, una oferta mejorada que brinda a los jugadores una experiencia superior. Es beneficioso para todos nosotros tener estos eventos de primera línea en un calendario que una vez más nos llevará a destinos de golf clave en la región y alentará a los jugadores de todo el mundo a considerar jugar en el Asian Tour".