MIAMI — Shortly after Abraham Ancer finished on the 18th green at LIV Golf Adelaide, team captain Sergio Garcia embraced him in a heartfelt hug. Although the Fireballs GC secured the team title, Ancer’s series of bogeys at the end placed him in second behind Joaquin Niemann, who won individually.
This moment was a significant introduction to team golf for new LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil, who remarked he felt a surge of excitement as he witnessed the camaraderie. “I was like, what did I walk into? This is a gift,” O’Neil told FOX Sports ahead of LIV Golf Miami. “You have the greats of the game passing down their love and knowledge — and rooting for these young guys.”
O’Neil succeeded former CEO Greg Norman, who still serves on the board. His past roles include CEO and President of Madison Square Garden Sports, where he managed the New York Knicks and New York Rangers, and CEO of Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment, overseeing the Philadelphia 76ers and New Jersey Devils.
This weekend, all eyes will be on the Trump National Doral, the venue for LIV Golf Miami. O’Neil will manage the event that kicks off on Friday and wraps up Sunday, airing on FOX Sports. The event will also highlight a Sublime concert, a Jacob Fellander art exhibit, and “The Duels,” where golf stars face off against influencers.
Looking ahead, O’Neil aims to replicate the atmosphere of LIV Adelaide across 14 markets, fostering an environment that brings players together and provides more opportunities in major tournaments. “It looks like Formula One of golf, and I feel the team concept will gain traction,” he said, reflecting on the league’s rapid growth within a short span.
O’Neil confirmed new courses, stars, and teams are on the agenda, so long as they contribute positively to golf’s growth. This year, LIV has already made its mark by reaching 800 million homes, a jump of 300 million from the previous year, aided by partnerships with FOX Sports, ITV, and DAZN.
O’Neil is also focused on enhancing LIV’s brand by ensuring the spotlight shines on established players like Jon Rahm and Phil Mickelson while promoting rising stars and unique stories that can resonate with fans. Balancing ambition with patience, he aims to build the LIV brand methodically as he embraces the challenge of golf and its community.
