Latest news with #LIVGolf
Forbes
11 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Mzansi Welcomes The World: LIV Golf Set To Make African Debut In South Africa In 2026
LIV Golf is expanding its global footprint once again, this time with a historic first. In March 2026, the LIV Golf League will make its debut on African soil, with Johannesburg's Steyn City set to host the event from 20 to 22 March. This marks a significant moment not only for South Africa but for the entire African continent, as LIV continues to grow its international presence. Known for blending professional golf with entertainment, music, and lifestyle experiences, LIV Golf's arrival signals another bold step for the league's evolving identity and ambition. A Festival of Golf and Culture As with other LIV events, this tournament will be about more than just competition. Organisers have promised a high-energy experience that fuses sport and culture, what they call a 'festival of golf and life.' Fans can expect live music performances, immersive fan zones, and family-friendly access, including free entry for children under 12. Enthusiasm is already high: the first 10,000 tickets sold out within 24 hours, setting a LIV Golf record, and more than 25,000 tickets have already been claimed in advance of the event. The South Africa tournament will form part of LIV's broader 2026 calendar, which includes events in Australia, Singapore, Mexico, and the United Kingdom. A Venue Built for the Moment The 2026 edition will take place at The Club at Steyn City, a championship course designed by Nicklaus Design. Situated in Midrand between Johannesburg and Pretoria, the venue offers a scenic but demanding 7,700-yard, par-72 layout, surrounded by indigenous bushland and home to wildlife including impalas and porcupines. For LIV, the location offers a striking blend of modern luxury and natural African beauty, an ideal setting for a global tournament seeking to deliver both sporting drama and visual spectacle. LIV Golf has signed a multi-year agreement to stage events in South Africa, while Steyn City's deal is for one year, with options to extend. Spotlight on Home Talent South Africa's Stinger GC is expected to be a major drawcard for local fans. The team is captained by 2010 Open Champion Louis Oosthuizen, joined by fellow countrymen Charl Schwartzel, Branden Grace, and Dean Burmester, all of whom have had success on both traditional and LIV circuits. For Stinger GC, the chance to perform on familiar turf could provide a competitive edge and an emotional boost as they compete against LIV's international field. Global Stars on Display The South Africa tournament will feature a lineup of 54 top players from around the world, including major champions such as Brooks Koepka, Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, Dustin Johnson, Phil Mickelson, and Cameron Smith. The presence of these names reinforces LIV's goal to deliver a premium golf product while appealing to a new, broader generation of fans. Economic and Tourism Upside LIV Golf events have consistently demonstrated their ability to generate substantial economic impact in host cities. In 2025, LIV Golf Adelaide produced a total economic impact of $78.5 million USD, according to an independent study by Vision Insights. Key stats from that event included: South African tourism and hospitality sectors will be watching closely, with expectations that the 2026 event could deliver similar, if not greater, returns, particularly given Johannesburg's position as a regional hub for business and travel. Community-Focused Legacy Beyond entertainment and economic growth, the 2026 LIV Golf event also aims to leave a social legacy. The tournament will support the Steyn City Foundation's feeding schemes, providing resources for community programs long after the final putt drops. This aligns with LIV's growing emphasis on social investment, sustainability, and charitable partnerships as it continues to scale its global presence. A Strategic Step for the Continent South Africa has long been a destination for major international sporting events, from football and rugby to cricket and athletics. The inclusion of LIV Golf on this list marks a milestone not only for the sport in the region but for Africa's place on the global golf map. As the first African stop on the LIV calendar, the 2026 tournament could serve as a springboard for future events across the continent. For LIV Golf, it represents an important test case, one that may influence its future expansion strategy in emerging markets. As March 2026 approaches, the spotlight will turn to Johannesburg, Steyn City, and the players ready to make history. Whether for fans, athletes, or the host nation, LIV Golf South Africa promises to be a landmark moment in a sport that's redefining its global reach.
The Advertiser
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Advertiser
Chock full of cameos and callbacks, this sequel is fun but no hole in one
Happy Gilmore 2 (M, 117 minutes, Netflix) 3 stars Happy Gilmore looms so large in the collective memory that it's easy to forget that it's actually a pretty stupid movie. Iconic and genuinely hilarious, yes, but also unquestionably stupid. It's important to remember this going into Happy Gilmore 2. The sequel to the mainstay golf comedy of 1996 is not going to be high-brow in any way. This is an Adam Sandler film we're talking about. With very few exceptions, he makes broad, crass, shouty comedies. They worked incredibly well in the 90s and early 2000s, but have had dwindling success since then. So, is Happy Gilmore 2 worth the watch? Mostly, yes. It has several genuine laugh-out-loud moments and is chock-full of cameos and callbacks. But if you haven't seen the original in a while, or aren't super on top of American culture of late, you might find yourself scratching your head and trying to find the comedy. Taken on its merits alone, without the nostalgia and the impact of famous faces popping up where they're not expected, the film probably doesn't hit the mark. You do need to come in with a certain degree of knowledge and familiarity to get the most out of this film. We pick up with Happy several years after he's given up professional golf. His time on the tour earned him multiple gold jackets and plenty of money and acclaim, but in the years since his retirement he's squandered all his dough and fallen into addiction. He now lives with his daughter Vienna and John Daly (yep, the golfer, seemingly having a ball playing himself), while his four grown sons live elsewhere. They're a tight-knit if chaotic family. Happy, working at a grocery store, is approached by the amusingly named Frank Manatee (Sandler's Uncut Gems director Benny Safdie) who wants him to join his new league that's going to revolutionise the sport, called Maxi Golf. Happy doesn't want to have a bar of it and quickly shuts down this call-up to the barely disguised LIV Golf competition. But when Vienna's dance teacher says she has the skills to attend a prestigious ballet school in Paris, Happy must come out of retirement to pay for her tuition. He ends up qualifying for a special tournament: regular golfers against the Maxi golfers - a battle for the soul of the sport. The film - once again co-written by Sandler - doesn't shy away from the fact that it doesn't know what direction to take. One of the boys asks whether they're fighting to pay for Vivi's school or to save golf, and it's a "por que no los dos" situation. Happy Gilmore 2 is the cheaper, Netflix-ier answer to blockbuster F1, with a whole bevvy of real-life golfers playing themselves in this film, most notable Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler, and given they're sportspeople and not actors, they do a commendable job. The cameos don't stop there, with NFL star Travis Kelce (also known as Taylor Swift's beau), rapper Eminem, musician Post Malone and a range of social media stars making their own appearances. But the biggest surprise is Bad Bunny - credited with his real name, Benito Antonio Martinez Ocasio - as Happy's makeshift caddy Oscar. He is a pure delight, and makes every scene better. Comedy could well be his calling. The return of Shooter McGavin is the best thing about the film, with Christopher McDonald absolutely eating the scenery at every opportunity. It's not Happy Gilmore without Shooter McGavin. The film is a real family affair as well, with Sandler's kids and wife, Ben Stiller and his daughter, and even McDonald's daughter all making appearances. Happy Gilmore 2 also sweetly honours the original cast members who are no longer with us, including Carl Weathers, Richard Kiel and even Bob Barker. Happy Gilmore 2 (M, 117 minutes, Netflix) 3 stars Happy Gilmore looms so large in the collective memory that it's easy to forget that it's actually a pretty stupid movie. Iconic and genuinely hilarious, yes, but also unquestionably stupid. It's important to remember this going into Happy Gilmore 2. The sequel to the mainstay golf comedy of 1996 is not going to be high-brow in any way. This is an Adam Sandler film we're talking about. With very few exceptions, he makes broad, crass, shouty comedies. They worked incredibly well in the 90s and early 2000s, but have had dwindling success since then. So, is Happy Gilmore 2 worth the watch? Mostly, yes. It has several genuine laugh-out-loud moments and is chock-full of cameos and callbacks. But if you haven't seen the original in a while, or aren't super on top of American culture of late, you might find yourself scratching your head and trying to find the comedy. Taken on its merits alone, without the nostalgia and the impact of famous faces popping up where they're not expected, the film probably doesn't hit the mark. You do need to come in with a certain degree of knowledge and familiarity to get the most out of this film. We pick up with Happy several years after he's given up professional golf. His time on the tour earned him multiple gold jackets and plenty of money and acclaim, but in the years since his retirement he's squandered all his dough and fallen into addiction. He now lives with his daughter Vienna and John Daly (yep, the golfer, seemingly having a ball playing himself), while his four grown sons live elsewhere. They're a tight-knit if chaotic family. Happy, working at a grocery store, is approached by the amusingly named Frank Manatee (Sandler's Uncut Gems director Benny Safdie) who wants him to join his new league that's going to revolutionise the sport, called Maxi Golf. Happy doesn't want to have a bar of it and quickly shuts down this call-up to the barely disguised LIV Golf competition. But when Vienna's dance teacher says she has the skills to attend a prestigious ballet school in Paris, Happy must come out of retirement to pay for her tuition. He ends up qualifying for a special tournament: regular golfers against the Maxi golfers - a battle for the soul of the sport. The film - once again co-written by Sandler - doesn't shy away from the fact that it doesn't know what direction to take. One of the boys asks whether they're fighting to pay for Vivi's school or to save golf, and it's a "por que no los dos" situation. Happy Gilmore 2 is the cheaper, Netflix-ier answer to blockbuster F1, with a whole bevvy of real-life golfers playing themselves in this film, most notable Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler, and given they're sportspeople and not actors, they do a commendable job. The cameos don't stop there, with NFL star Travis Kelce (also known as Taylor Swift's beau), rapper Eminem, musician Post Malone and a range of social media stars making their own appearances. But the biggest surprise is Bad Bunny - credited with his real name, Benito Antonio Martinez Ocasio - as Happy's makeshift caddy Oscar. He is a pure delight, and makes every scene better. Comedy could well be his calling. The return of Shooter McGavin is the best thing about the film, with Christopher McDonald absolutely eating the scenery at every opportunity. It's not Happy Gilmore without Shooter McGavin. The film is a real family affair as well, with Sandler's kids and wife, Ben Stiller and his daughter, and even McDonald's daughter all making appearances. Happy Gilmore 2 also sweetly honours the original cast members who are no longer with us, including Carl Weathers, Richard Kiel and even Bob Barker. Happy Gilmore 2 (M, 117 minutes, Netflix) 3 stars Happy Gilmore looms so large in the collective memory that it's easy to forget that it's actually a pretty stupid movie. Iconic and genuinely hilarious, yes, but also unquestionably stupid. It's important to remember this going into Happy Gilmore 2. The sequel to the mainstay golf comedy of 1996 is not going to be high-brow in any way. This is an Adam Sandler film we're talking about. With very few exceptions, he makes broad, crass, shouty comedies. They worked incredibly well in the 90s and early 2000s, but have had dwindling success since then. So, is Happy Gilmore 2 worth the watch? Mostly, yes. It has several genuine laugh-out-loud moments and is chock-full of cameos and callbacks. But if you haven't seen the original in a while, or aren't super on top of American culture of late, you might find yourself scratching your head and trying to find the comedy. Taken on its merits alone, without the nostalgia and the impact of famous faces popping up where they're not expected, the film probably doesn't hit the mark. You do need to come in with a certain degree of knowledge and familiarity to get the most out of this film. We pick up with Happy several years after he's given up professional golf. His time on the tour earned him multiple gold jackets and plenty of money and acclaim, but in the years since his retirement he's squandered all his dough and fallen into addiction. He now lives with his daughter Vienna and John Daly (yep, the golfer, seemingly having a ball playing himself), while his four grown sons live elsewhere. They're a tight-knit if chaotic family. Happy, working at a grocery store, is approached by the amusingly named Frank Manatee (Sandler's Uncut Gems director Benny Safdie) who wants him to join his new league that's going to revolutionise the sport, called Maxi Golf. Happy doesn't want to have a bar of it and quickly shuts down this call-up to the barely disguised LIV Golf competition. But when Vienna's dance teacher says she has the skills to attend a prestigious ballet school in Paris, Happy must come out of retirement to pay for her tuition. He ends up qualifying for a special tournament: regular golfers against the Maxi golfers - a battle for the soul of the sport. The film - once again co-written by Sandler - doesn't shy away from the fact that it doesn't know what direction to take. One of the boys asks whether they're fighting to pay for Vivi's school or to save golf, and it's a "por que no los dos" situation. Happy Gilmore 2 is the cheaper, Netflix-ier answer to blockbuster F1, with a whole bevvy of real-life golfers playing themselves in this film, most notable Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler, and given they're sportspeople and not actors, they do a commendable job. The cameos don't stop there, with NFL star Travis Kelce (also known as Taylor Swift's beau), rapper Eminem, musician Post Malone and a range of social media stars making their own appearances. But the biggest surprise is Bad Bunny - credited with his real name, Benito Antonio Martinez Ocasio - as Happy's makeshift caddy Oscar. He is a pure delight, and makes every scene better. Comedy could well be his calling. The return of Shooter McGavin is the best thing about the film, with Christopher McDonald absolutely eating the scenery at every opportunity. It's not Happy Gilmore without Shooter McGavin. The film is a real family affair as well, with Sandler's kids and wife, Ben Stiller and his daughter, and even McDonald's daughter all making appearances. Happy Gilmore 2 also sweetly honours the original cast members who are no longer with us, including Carl Weathers, Richard Kiel and even Bob Barker. Happy Gilmore 2 (M, 117 minutes, Netflix) 3 stars Happy Gilmore looms so large in the collective memory that it's easy to forget that it's actually a pretty stupid movie. Iconic and genuinely hilarious, yes, but also unquestionably stupid. It's important to remember this going into Happy Gilmore 2. The sequel to the mainstay golf comedy of 1996 is not going to be high-brow in any way. This is an Adam Sandler film we're talking about. With very few exceptions, he makes broad, crass, shouty comedies. They worked incredibly well in the 90s and early 2000s, but have had dwindling success since then. So, is Happy Gilmore 2 worth the watch? Mostly, yes. It has several genuine laugh-out-loud moments and is chock-full of cameos and callbacks. But if you haven't seen the original in a while, or aren't super on top of American culture of late, you might find yourself scratching your head and trying to find the comedy. Taken on its merits alone, without the nostalgia and the impact of famous faces popping up where they're not expected, the film probably doesn't hit the mark. You do need to come in with a certain degree of knowledge and familiarity to get the most out of this film. We pick up with Happy several years after he's given up professional golf. His time on the tour earned him multiple gold jackets and plenty of money and acclaim, but in the years since his retirement he's squandered all his dough and fallen into addiction. He now lives with his daughter Vienna and John Daly (yep, the golfer, seemingly having a ball playing himself), while his four grown sons live elsewhere. They're a tight-knit if chaotic family. Happy, working at a grocery store, is approached by the amusingly named Frank Manatee (Sandler's Uncut Gems director Benny Safdie) who wants him to join his new league that's going to revolutionise the sport, called Maxi Golf. Happy doesn't want to have a bar of it and quickly shuts down this call-up to the barely disguised LIV Golf competition. But when Vienna's dance teacher says she has the skills to attend a prestigious ballet school in Paris, Happy must come out of retirement to pay for her tuition. He ends up qualifying for a special tournament: regular golfers against the Maxi golfers - a battle for the soul of the sport. The film - once again co-written by Sandler - doesn't shy away from the fact that it doesn't know what direction to take. One of the boys asks whether they're fighting to pay for Vivi's school or to save golf, and it's a "por que no los dos" situation. Happy Gilmore 2 is the cheaper, Netflix-ier answer to blockbuster F1, with a whole bevvy of real-life golfers playing themselves in this film, most notable Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler, and given they're sportspeople and not actors, they do a commendable job. The cameos don't stop there, with NFL star Travis Kelce (also known as Taylor Swift's beau), rapper Eminem, musician Post Malone and a range of social media stars making their own appearances. But the biggest surprise is Bad Bunny - credited with his real name, Benito Antonio Martinez Ocasio - as Happy's makeshift caddy Oscar. He is a pure delight, and makes every scene better. Comedy could well be his calling. The return of Shooter McGavin is the best thing about the film, with Christopher McDonald absolutely eating the scenery at every opportunity. It's not Happy Gilmore without Shooter McGavin. The film is a real family affair as well, with Sandler's kids and wife, Ben Stiller and his daughter, and even McDonald's daughter all making appearances. Happy Gilmore 2 also sweetly honours the original cast members who are no longer with us, including Carl Weathers, Richard Kiel and even Bob Barker.
The Australian
a day ago
- Sport
- The Australian
Cameron Smith reveals confidence crisis after missing all 2025 major cuts
Former world No.2 Cameron Smith has admitted he's lost a 'bit of confidence' in his golf game after missing five-straight major cuts but is adamant he's putting in the work to fix things as he eyes off back-to-back LIV team championship wins. After missing the weekend at the British Open, Smith became the only player in 2025 to miss all four major cuts. He wasn't alone in struggling at Royal Portrush, however, with only one of the nine Australians in the field, Smith's LIV teammate Marc Leishman, getting through. But the result was the continuation of a battling run in 2025 for the 2022 British Open winner who is 16th on the individual LIV standings with a best result of a tie for fifth from 12 events. Cameron Smith missed the cut at The Open. Picture:Other than the majors, Smith hasn't ventured outside LIV to play this year and his world ranking has slipped to 212, the lowest it's been since 2014. It's a far cry form 2024 when Smith enjoyed three team wins with LIV, including the season-ending team championship. As it was confirmed this year's LIV season-ender would be played in Michigan, with some changes to the format, Smith revealed his loss of confidence and what he was doing to work his way back. 'You're constantly trying to figure stuff out, whether you're playing great or whether you're playing bad. Golf is a funny game like that,' he said. 'It's been difficult, I can't quite really put my finger on it. I feel like my technical stuff, particularly with my swing, is as good as it's ever been, and I'm not getting the results from it. It's been difficult in the sense that it feels really good, but I can't go out there and play my best golf. 'Working through it mentally, I feel like I've lost a little bit of confidence in my game. But I'm slowly getting that back, and that's through hard work and hitting the right shots on the golf course. Smith is battling for confidence. Picture:'It's just a matter of time, I feel like. I don't think it's a technical issue or anything like that. It's just a little bit of a setback, and we'll be right back up there before we know it.' Smith said a short game focus in the wake of his early Open exit could help him fix things. 'Probably more so than anything else is the chipping and putting. I feel like you can learn a lot about your full swing in those little pitch shots,' he said. 'I spend a lot of time around the green, a lot of time putting, and then go out there and play the golf course.' Smith is likely to join Rory McIlroy and Adam Scott at this year's Australian Open at Royal Melbourne but is yet to confirm his full end-of -year schedule. Last year, Smith played six events in Australia, finishing runner-up at the Australian PGA but 48th at the Open after criticising the set-up of Kingston Heath in what was the final year of the dual-gender format.
Fox News
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Fox News
Jena Sims fires back at critics who say she got 'Happy Gilmore 2' role through husband Brooks Koepka
Jena Sims is tired of hearing that she only appeared in Netflix's "Happy Gilmore 2" just because her husband, LIV Golf star Brooks Koepka, was in it. Sims posted a TikTok video on Monday night, where she pushed back on the narrative that she only received a cameo in the hit Adam Sandler sequel because Koepka was one of the main golfers involved. "When I actually auditioned for Happy Gilmore 2, but everyone thinks I'm in it because of my husband," Sims captioned her TikTok. Sims had a few seconds of screen time in the film, which featured 74 different cameos, from golf stars like Jack Nicklaus and Nick Faldo, to Travis Kelce and Bad Bunny. She was one of the die-hard golf fans of a rival to Sandler's iconic Happy Gilmore character. Meanwhile, Koepka was among the golfers who competed against the new "Maxi Golf" league team in the film. He was alongside fellow LIV Golf star Bryson DeChambeau and PGA Tour stars Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy. Other present-day golfers like Xander Schauffele, Justin Thomas, Will Zalatoris, Keegan Bradley and Collin Morikawa, among others. Sims also spoke to People about how she offered some acting tips to her husband. "He felt like he was stepping into my world," Sims explained. "I had to teach him how to read a script and how to find certain things within the script. It was cool watching him step out of his comfort zone because that rarely happens." Sims, 36, is an actress and Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model, who married the five-time major champion in 2022.
USA Today
a day ago
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Nelly Korda, Charley Hull enjoyed filming Happy Gilmore 2 but Hull 'couldn't be an actress'
Charley Hull was born about a month after the original "Happy Gilmore" movie came out in 1996. Nelly Korda, who turned 27 on Monday, is two years younger than Hull. Both joined a host of golf stars – including fellow No. 1 Scottie Scheffler – in the comedy hit's sequel, which brings back Adam Sandler in the lead role. "Happy Gilmore 2" was released on Netflix July 25 and, according to Variety, 46.7 million viewers streamed the movie in just three days — making it the biggest U.S. opening weekend in Netflix history. Korda said she planned to watch the movie sometime this week while she's competing at the AIG Women's British Open in Wales. "It was so cool getting to meet Adam Sandler, getting to be part of that process, and actually seeing how difficult acting is from that point of view," said Korda. "That scene with Shooter was amazing to see just from my point of view, his acting, and how much it takes. "That scene took all day. It was like a 20-second scene. The appreciation for their lifestyle and their job definitely grew for me. For me, it was just so cool to be a part of, and getting to do it with Nancy (Lopez) is a lot of fun too." England's Charley Hull said the filming process was also long but "good fun." "Never thought I'd be in a movie, but there you go," she said. "Definitely safe to say I couldn't be an actress. Just filming that scene all day, I haven't got the patience." Other golf stars in the film include Rory McIlroy, Justin Thomas, Keegan Bradley, Rickie Fowler, Tony Finau, Collin Morikawa, Xander Schauffele, Jordan Spieth and Will Zalatoris from the PGA Tour, as well as Bryson DeChambeau and Brooks Koepka from LIV Golf. PGA Tour legends Jack Nicklaus, Lee Trevino and John Daly also joined in the fun.
