Australian golfer sees PGA TOUR and LIV Golf's conflicting products as being a stumbling block
13 March 2025 - SHANK Media, by Matt Hooper: It is as clear as the sky during a cold winter's night that the PGA TOUR has absolutely no intention of keeping any of the "better elements of LIV Golf" in any future deal with the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia, in fact they will just destroy it and end the careers of most of the LIV Golf roster. Despite the comments of Jay Monahan about good and productive discussions on the future, the players on the PGA TOUR continue to contradict him, and it is clear there is a divide between the players and the administration, and between certain sections of the membership.
Ahead of THE PLAYERS Championship, 2004 champion Adam Scott said:
"The product of LIV and the product of the PGA TOUR are two very different things, the challenge is figuring out how that can come together, and be really reunification...
"I think we don't really know what the appetite is for this (team golf), I think TGL and LIV can serve as good markers to see if there really is an appetite for team golf going forward. We obviously know that the Ryder Cup, and the Presidents Cup (to a little lesser extent) are popular.
Scott was rumoured to be one of the players most likely to join LIV Golf at the outset, but the move never materialized and he has since pinned his colours to the PGA TOUR Mast, joining the Player Advisory Council and attending the now famous meeting at the White House with US President Donald Trump. There are many ways LIV Golf members can be integrated into the PGA TOUR throughout the year, but so many American members of the TOUR are against it, and their only answer is to ban them, and try to destroy LIV Golf. The more outspoken members of the media continue to slam LIV, saying that it has a terrible product, well the actual FACTS paint a very different picture.
Ripper GC and Air Asia announce partnership, following deal with Golf Australia to introduce youngsters to golf
AirAsia, Asean’s leading travel and lifestyle brand, today announced a new partnership with Ripper GC, one of the 13 teams in the LIV Golf League. Fresh off their 2024 Team Championship victory, Ripper GC has established itself as a dominant force in the league, making this collaboration a natural fit between two brands who push boundaries in their respective industries. With AirAsia redefining travel and lifestyle and Ripper GC revolutionizing team golf, together, they aim to elevate the sport, connect with new audiences, and set the stage for an exciting 2025 season.
Through this partnership, AirAsia and Ripper GC aim to inspire a new generation of athletes and dreamers, reinforcing the belief that bold ambitions can take flight. This collaboration will connect fans to the game through exclusive content and experiences such as on-course opportunities, interactive engagements, and greater access to world-class golf, while strengthening AirAsia’s presence and expanding its reach to a new audience in the golfing world.
"We are delighted to welcome AirAsia as the latest partner to join team Ripper,” says Captain Cameron Smith. “I came up playing on the Australian and Asian tours. And one of the biggest barriers for up-and-coming golfers then and now, is travel. AirAsia is helping break down those barriers and giving a new generation of golfers the opportunity to fulfill their dreams.”
AirAsia is a leading Asean brand that has evolved from a pioneering multi-national low-cost airline into a dynamic travel and lifestyle platform, serving the underserved, the believers and the dreamers alike. Built on a legacy of over 20 years centered around affordability, accessibility and inclusivity, AirAsia has connected more than 800 million people across the region and beyond. Today, AirAsia champions Asean diversity with its bold “Dare to Dream” spirit, continuously innovating to offer exceptional value, unique experiences, and cutting-edge solutions that enriches lives.
“AirAsia has always been about bold moves and big dreams — democratising travel and opportunities across Asean. Ripper GC embodies that same spirit, going beyond golf to build an inclusive community and a lifestyle brand that makes the sport more accessible to all,” said Rudy Khaw, CEO of AirAsia brand co. (Abc.). “As a brand that thrives on breaking barriers and redefining possibilities for the past 24 years, we see this partnership as a natural fit. By backing Ripper GC, the reigning Team Champions, we are not just supporting a world-class team but also embracing the future of the sport. This collaboration allows us to be part of a new era in the sport, connecting with a passionate global audience while reinforcing our ‘Dare to Dream’ spirit. We are proud to support Ripper GC in their journey as reigning champions in the league, showcasing the spirit of always pursuing dreams and pushing boundaries.”
Backed by their global and loyal Australian fanbase, Ripper GC stands as one of the strongest teams in the League, led by Cameron Smith, the 2022 Open Champion, and fellow Aussies Marc Leishman, Lucas Herbert, and Matt Jones. The Ripper GC team had four team wins during the 2024 season, including capturing the Team Championship title after winning the final event of the year in Dallas. After a strong start to the 2025 season, Ripper GC is currently ranked 3rd out of the 13 teams in the League.
“Their passion for bringing new audiences to the game in markets that are important to us aligns perfectly with our growth vision for Ripper GC,” said Team General Manager Nick Adams. “We look forward to representing their brand on and off the golf course. We’re an Australian team that proudly represents APAC — from Queensland to KL, and Christchurch to South Korea. And we couldn’t be happier to be partnering with a brand as passionate about bringing an impact to the region as we are.”
This partnership cements AirAsia’s growing influence in global sports, proving that whether it’s in the sky or on the course, the brand is always about taking bold leaps forward. With a shared commitment to innovation and excitement, AirAsia and Ripper GC are teeing up for an unforgettable season.
The Air Asia partnership follows on from announcing a deal with Golf Australia to take over the My Golf franchise in Ripper GC's homeland. A press release from Golf Australia confirmed: Ripper GC is the new principal partner of MyGolf, marking the beginning of an exciting three-year collaboration aimed at inspiring and developing the next generation of Australian golfers.
Announced ahead of LIV Golf Adelaide where the all-Australian Ripper GC aims to defend its epic team victory in 2024, Golf Australia’s junior participation program for kids 5-12 will now be known as MyGolf, Powered by Ripper GC.
Participants in the program will be referred to as Little Rippers. Cam Smith and his all-Australian Ripper GC team are passionate about junior golf and are joining Golf Australia in its drive to sign 40,000 kids to the MyGolf program in 2025.
Little Rippers will continue to experience the perfect entry into golf; engaging in exciting games and activities designed to empower kids so they discover their potential while developing fundamental movement skills.
Since its inception in 2014, MyGolf has seen remarkable growth, with a record 36,636 participants in the 2023/24 program taking the overall tally to 222,201 kids over 10 years.
MyGolf is delivered in more than 400 golf clubs and facilities each year, with almost 80% of programs delivered by PGA Professionals who play a pivotal role in teaching kids and adults across the country the fundamentals of the game.
The program’s impact on junior golf in Australia can be demonstrated in numerous ways, but perhaps the most significant is the recent growth in junior membership – up a remarkable 33% last year.
Golf Australia CEO James Sutherland emphasised the importance of kids taking the game up from a young age and the positive impact role models have on decision making for kids and their parents.
“This is a huge moment for junior golf in Australia. Each golfer in the Ripper GC team has their own story of rising from beginner, through Australian golf’s junior ranks, to become world-class golfers," Mr Sutherland said.
“The team’s commitment to inspiring young golfers is a perfect match for MyGolf and will accelerate our aspirations to inspire more kids to pick up a club, have fun, and develop skills in a sport that lasts a lifetime.
“We can’t wait to see thousands of Little Rippers enjoying the game in clubs and communities all over the country.”
With Ripper GC’s backing, MyGolf will expand its reach and impact, ensuring even more children get the chance to experience the joy of golf and become part of a growing community that spans the length and breadth of Australia.
Ripper GC captain Cam Smith said: “I have a really good relationship with Golf Australia and the High Performance staff. They do a lot of good from grassroots to high performance.
"I couldn’t be more excited to partner with them moving forward, and help nurture the next generation of Australian golfers."
Rippers General Manager Nick Adams added: “Ripper GC’s goal is to elevate the game of golf domestically and globally, creating more opportunities and pathways for young Australian golfers to play on the world stage.
"We can’t thank Golf Australia enough for their willingness to bring this partnership to fruition.
"We’re now super excited to go ripper mode across Australian golf.”
Last week Legion XIII announced a first of its kind deal with Callaway Golf to become the Original Equipment Manufacturer of the team, meaning Rahm, Caleb Surrat and Tom McKibbin will use Callaway Golf equipment, and Callaway will be a visible sponsor of the team. “We are happy to partner with a world-class athlete in Jon Rahm, and his Legion XIII team,” said Chip Brewer, President and CEO of Topgolf Callaway Golf Brands.
“We’re committed to being an equipment leader wherever top players are competing. Now the time is right to cement our relationship with Jon and his team – utilising his exceptional talent and stature within the game to help engage and excite fans around the globe.”
These three deals follow a huge succession of sponsorships and partnerships between major companies and LIV Golf teams over the last few months, as shown below:
CALLAWAY GOLF OEM Legion XIII
AIR ASIA Partnership Ripper GC
MY GOLF Partnership Ripper GC
CASTORE Apparel Majesticks GC
REEBOK Apparel Crushers GC
GREYSON Apparel Ripper GC, Legion XIII
MARTIN KEY Luxury Goods Cleeks GC
JAXXON Fashion 4Aces GC
SANTO STUDIO Fashion 4Aces GC
SWANNIES GOLF Apparel Rangegoats GC
PRIMO Apparel HyFlyers GC
EXTRACURRICULAR Apparel 4Aces GC
MAGELLAN JETS Private Jet 4Aces GC
MIP Sponsor Fireballs GC
COUPANG PLAY Sponsor IronHeads GC
OKX Sponsor Majesticks GC
SEAMLESS DIGITAL Supplier Majesticks GC
DESTINATION SPORT Sponsor Majesticks GC
OPEN SKY GROUP Sponsor Majesticks GC
STUBURT Apparel Stinger GC, Fireballs GC, Torque GC
11 of the 13 LIV Golf Franchises have some kind of sponsorship or partnership with a corporate entity, which considering the teams have only existed since 2022 and have had to endure a remarkably hostile environment, is impressive. And LIV Golf's Merchandise operation, based predominantly on the 13 franchises, is showing significant growth, which indicates that people are buying into the team element of LIV Golf, particularly outside the United States. In 2022 LIV Golf Limited reported sales of $296,000 in merchandise, this increased to $1,938,000 for the year ending 31 December 2023. Legion XIII has been added to the league since the last set of accounts were released, and all indicators seem to suggest a continued increase in interest in the league and the teams, no matter what PGA TOUR players, fans and administrators may suggest.
US College golf is a very similar system to LIV Golf, and nobody questions the validity of it as a system for golf at that level. Unfortunately many are programmed to believe professional golf can only be 72 holes, with a cut and individual play, with the only team golf being the Ryder Cup or Presidents Cup. Despite the opinions of Scott, Chamblee and others welded to the PGA TOUR vision of golf, LIV Golf is redefining the sport outside of the United States of America.
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