LIV Golf, a breakaway circuit known for its extravagant spending, is making waves as it brings its big-money league to the Chicago suburbs for the first time. Bolingbrook Golf Club, a taxpayer-owned track in Bolingbrook, Illinois, is hosting the final leg of LIV’s individual championship with a $25 million purse. This unexpected venue choice raises questions, considering the course’s modest green fees and lack of championship history.
Despite its lack of prestigious tournaments, Bolingbrook Golf Club offers ample infrastructure for large events, including an expansive clubhouse and practice grounds. The decision to host the tournament at Bolingbrook was influenced by the end of LIV Golf’s partnership with Rich Harvest Farms, a private club that had hosted previous events. Mayor Mary Alexander-Basta of Bolingbrook saw this as an opportunity to boost the community’s visibility and economic impact.
LIV executives initially reached out to Bolingbrook in early 2024, expressing interest in the course as a potential venue. The mayor, who was not a golfer, attended an LIV event in Nashville to familiarize herself with the circuit and its appeal to spectators. Despite controversies surrounding LIV’s Saudi funding, Bolingbrook officials focused on the economic benefits of hosting a large golf tournament in their community.
The financial impact of hosting an LIV event is a topic of speculation, with rumors suggesting significant payments to clubs for hosting duties. However, specific details of the financial arrangements between LIV and Bolingbrook Golf Club remain undisclosed. Mayor Alexander-Basta prefers to wait until after the event to assess the revenue and expenses associated with hosting the tournament.
In addition to the economic benefits, the exposure from hosting a national golf tournament offers Bolingbrook a valuable opportunity to showcase the community on a broader platform. The mayor views this as a significant but difficult-to-quantify benefit of hosting the LIV event. Despite the uncertainty surrounding the financial impact, Bolingbrook is looking forward to the national attention and exposure that comes with hosting a prestigious golf event.
After the tournament concludes, the individual winner will walk away with an additional four million dollars. This substantial purse adds to the excitement surrounding the event and further highlights the allure of LIV Golf’s breakaway circuit. Despite initial skepticism about hosting the tournament at a municipal course, Bolingbrook Golf Club is preparing to welcome top golfers and spectators to its grounds for a memorable championship event.
