Arabic version: بطولة أستراليا المفتوحة تخفف الضغوط بشأن تطوير ملعب غولف نورث أديلايد

According to ABC News, the South Australian government’s decision to secure the Australian Open golf tournament from 2028 has reduced political pressure surrounding LIV Golf’s bankruptcy and the $45 million redevelopment of North Adelaide Golf Course.

LIV Golf filed for bankruptcy in the United States after Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund announced it would withdraw its funding. The tour hopes to exit bankruptcy in early 2027 under a player-first ownership model, but uncertainty remains over its future, its leading players and the scale of future events.

Premier Peter Malinauskas announced in February 2025 that LIV Golf would remain in Adelaide until at least 2031 and move to a Greg Norman-designed championship course at North Adelaide in 2028. The extension was cited as justification for the course investment, although the government has said the upgraded facility will also be available to the public outside events.

The redevelopment, including the loss of 585 trees, drew opposition from parklands advocates, the Greens and some Adelaide City Council members. Opposition leader Ashton Hurn said LIV Golf had been the major project underpinning the redevelopment, while questioning whether taxpayers had any exposure to the tour’s financial problems. The government says it does not provide support for events that are not held.

LIV Golf is next scheduled to visit Adelaide in March 2027 at Kooyonga Golf Club, where an advanced payment for preparations remains unclear. Golf commentator Jimmy Emanuel said the tour was likely to stage an event next year, though it might not be as large as previous Adelaide tournaments. The government maintains the North Adelaide upgrade will continue even if LIV Golf does not.