LIV Golf Adelaide's future is uncertain even though the league says preparations for 2027 are on track. South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas told SEN radio that the state would not proceed with an event that failed to meet the standard set in previous years. Golf Australia Magazine and GolfMagic reported his comments on 27 October.
Why the player lineup matters
Malinauskas said LIV officials had assured the state they intended to return. But the government's assessment depends heavily on which leading players actually commit. He singled out Australia's Cameron Smith and Bryson DeChambeau as particularly important names: the event's appeal has been built around elite golf as well as its festival atmosphere.
The warning comes as LIV attempts to restructure under Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings in the United States. Several prominent players have opted against the proposed relaunch, with Graeme McDowell and Lucas Herbert among the latest departures. Smith has not publicly confirmed whether he will play in LIV's 2027 season. Reports about his contractual position should not be mistaken for an announcement that he has left.
What is scheduled for March 2027?
LIV's official calendar still lists 18–21 March 2027 at Kooyonga Golf Club, Adelaide, for the event's fifth edition. The move from The Grange to Kooyonga was announced in February, with a further move to a redeveloped North Adelaide Golf Course envisaged from 2028.
A place on the schedule, however, is not an unconditional guarantee. Malinauskas has tied the state's willingness to host the event to the quality of the competition and indicated that greater clarity should emerge within two to three weeks. Golf media also report that a player-commitment deadline associated with proposed funding for LIV's relaunch has shifted to 30 October. The reported timetable does not mean a final financing agreement has been completed.
Why this matters beyond Adelaide
LIV Golf Adelaide became one of the circuit's flagship stops by attracting large crowds and building a distinctive event around its competition. Losing such a venue would demonstrate that the consequences of LIV's restructuring extend well beyond individual contracts, potentially affecting host cities, golf clubs and commercial partners.
As of 27 October, LIV Golf Adelaide 2027 has not been cancelled. The unanswered question is whether the tour can field a tournament strong enough to retain South Australia's support.
Sources: Golf Australia Magazine, 27 October; GolfMagic, 27 October; official LIV Golf event listing.
