What To Expect At LIV Tulsa
LIV Golf has landed in Tulsa.
Well, Cedar Ridge Country Club in Broken Arrow, specifically. The alternate stroke play site of the 2009 U.S. Amateur alongside Southern Hills, Cedar Ridge offers a tree-lined test that could play longer than its 7213 yards with any mention of wind.
It's a different type of challenge from what we saw at last year's PGA Championship in Tulsa, but a challenge nonetheless. Going back to that 2009 U.S. Amateur, only 12 of the 312 competitors broke par on the 1969 Joe Finger design (3.8%). Compare that to this week's PGA Tour counterpart - The Byron Nelson at TPC Craig Ranch - where K.H. Lee has won back-to-back events with respective scores of -25 and -26.
Six of the 48 in this week's field have direct ties to Oklahoma, with Abe Ancer representing OU and Talor Gooch, Matt Wolff, Charles Howell III, Peter Uihlein and Eugenio Chacarra all representing OSU. In fact, the top three individuals nearing the halfway mark of the LIV season are Pokes - Gooch, Uihlein and Three Sticks.
Speaking of Gooch, he's the only native Oklahoman in the field and happens to be the back-to-back defending LIV Golf champion, having won in both Adelaide and Singapore.
It's outside the ropes, however, that LIV promises to be changing the game for spectators. Abiding by the motto "Golf But Louder," the event will offer a slew of activities for attendees. Here's a comprehensive list of everything (besides golf) fans can enjoy:
Interactive Fan Village
The Fan Village is where you'll find a variety of food and libations, merchandise for sale, team-related activities and a "LIV Kids Zone" including golf-themed games, interactive experiences and video screens to watch the action on the course.
Impact Zone
Watch the tournament "in an eco-friendly setting, chip golf balls into a target to raise money for youth and communities in need of support, and add pledges to the 'Futbol Mas Green Card'." These efforts support LIV Golf's charitable initiatives.
DJ Booth
We're not talking Dustin Johnson. The event will have a DJ booth outside the clubhouse spinning the ones and twos. This author is hoping they throw a little country music in the mix.
Shotgun Start
The entire field starts the round at the same time. That means you'll be able to pick any spot on the golf course and - as long as you're there by noon each day - you'll be able to see everyone come through.
Video Boards
By my count, there should be no less than 10 video boards on the course so you don't miss any of the highlights.
Lainey Wilson Concert
Once the action on the course finishes up on Friday, fans will be treated to a concert with country music superstar and Yellowstone actor Lainey Wilson.
That’s just a taste of all the action that’s happening on and off the course this week. Stay tuned as we’ll bring you coverage all week long from Cedar Ridge Country Club.