The South Australian Premier has defended a decision to bring the controversial LIV Golf series to Adelaide for the next four years, saying it is a huge economic opportunity for the state.
Premier Peter Malinauskas was joined by golf legend Greg Norman this morning to announce Adelaide as the host city for the first Australian tournament next April.
LIV Golf, backed by the Saudi government's Public Investment Fund, has received some criticism over Saudi Arabia's human rights record.
However, the Premier said hosting the event provided an economic opportunity that could not be missed.
"I just encourage a moment of pause and caution, and a rational analysis of basic facts and what our nation's relationship is with other countries around the world," he said.
"The simple truth is this is an unparalleled opportunity for our state and our country in a way that is utterly appropriate and one that we've got an obligation to pursue."
Some of golf's biggest names have joined the Saudi-backed league, but claims of "sportswashing" by the Saudi government remain.
Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy have remained loyal to the PGA Tour and have advocated for other players to do the same.
Forbes reported that Woods turned down an offer from Norman that was in the ballpark of $1 billion.
Human rights group Amnesty International has also been vocal in its criticism of the series.
Series to be held days after AFL 'magic round'
Mr Malinauskas revealed the series had been brought to Adelaide on a multi-year deal.
"I'm very excited to be able to announce that we've got a four-year agreement with LIV golf," he said.
"So, the prospect of having this tournament not just in 2023, but also certainly in 24, means we can plan for it and equally get excited about it."
The series will be held at the Grange Golf Club from April 21 to 23 next year, just days after South Australia hosts all 18 AFL clubs for the so-called "magic round".
It will bring some of the best golf players in the world to the state, including Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson, Patrick Reed, Brooks Koepka and British Open champion Cameron Smith.
"These are some of the biggest names you'll find in international golf and all of them will be right here in our city, showcasing our state, that brings with it untold economic opportunity," he said.
"We anticipate that between the weekend prior with the AFL's 24th round and the LIV Golf the following weekend, that in excess of $70 million worth of economic activity will be brought right here to the state of South Australia."
The internationally-acclaimed Grange Golf Club is where Norman claimed his first professional victory in 1976.
He said it was the perfect venue to host Australia's LIV Golf debut.
"We knew we had the perfect fit here, I know the golf course extremely well; I redesigned the Grange," Norman said.
"Taking away all the emotional side of it, I had a look at it from a pure LIV business perspective, what works best.
"As the Premier and his team mapped it out for us, and we started putting it all together … we just kept going down this path and it just kept building momentum."
Deal secured through major events fund
Grange Golf Club President Nicolle Rantanen Reynolds welcomed the event, saying it would be a drawcard for all Australian golf fans around the country.
"As a proud South Australian, it's fantastic for our state, as a golfer it's simply amazing," she said.
"All golfers love to see great golf, and we will get to see the best in the world."
The deal's been secured with a contribution from the state government's $40 million Major Events Fund, but the premier would not clarify its cost.
"Major events are a major driver of economic activity both for tourism and hospitality, we've got to put our best foot forward," Mr Malinauskas said.
"It's an international marketplace, we've got to be able to compete."
The state opposition said it supported international events coming to Australia.
But shadow minister for sport Vincent Tarzia said it was not the time to be bringing them to South Australia, with several pressing issues more important.
"It seems that in the midst of a ramping crisis and a housing crisis and a child protection crisis and a cost-of-living crisis the Premier has got his priorities all wrong," Mr Tarzia said.
