LIV Golf Adelaide 2026 preview: All you need to know

Elvis Smylie and Ripper GC return to Adelaide after their season opening triumph in Riyadh, with Jon Rahm, Joaquin Niemann and valuable OWGR points adding extra intrigue at The Grange.

Aaron McNicholas|February 11, 2026

Categories: LIV Golf, Tours

Keywords: Cameron Smith, Elvis Smylie, Jon Rahm, LIV 2026, LIV Golf, LIV Golf Adelaide, Tournament

This week LIV Golf returns to Adelaide, with Elvis Smylie and Ripper GC headlining the Australian homecoming after both claimed victory at the opening event of the season in Riyadh.

Smylie produced four rounds of electric golf in Saudi Arabia, fending off Jon Rahm to secure a thrilling solo title on his LIV debut. He then helped guide Ripper GC to the first team triumph of the 2026 campaign, completing a remarkable statement from the 23-year-old in the very first tournament of the year.

The Grange Set for Another Record LIV Golf Adelaide Crowd

Now he returns home. More than 100,000 spectators are expected to descend on South Australia, eager to welcome their newest star and roar Ripper GC towards another title on home soil. The team famously lifted the trophy in Adelaide in 2024 and belief is building that they can do so again.

Ripper GC teammate Marc Leishman, summed up the anticipation surrounding Smylie’s return:

“I am looking forward to Elvis being able to experience such a massive week. Like Cam said, it is a highlight of our year and I know he is going to enjoy it.”

The Grange Golf Club has become one of the flagship stops on the LIV calendar. Renowned for its charged atmosphere and intimidating par-3 twelfth, it consistently attracts the largest crowds of the 14 event schedule and delivers one of the most distinctive backdrops in professional golf.

Elvis Smylie speaks at a press conference during the practice round before LIV Golf Adelaide 2026 at Grange Golf Club in Australia. — Elvis Smylie of Ripper GC speaks at a press conference during the practice round before the start of the LIV Golf Adelaide at Grange Golf Club on Tuesday, February 10, 2026 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by NL/LIV Golf)

Jon Rahm, Joaquin Niemann and OWGR Points Add Extra Stakes

Beyond the home narrative, there is significant incentive throughout the field. With Official World Golf Ranking points now on offer in 2026, competition for top 10 finishes carries added weight as players chase both prize money and global standing.

Defending champion Joaquin Niemann returns after winning here last year at 13-under par. The Chilean, already a seven-time individual LIV winner, endured a modest tie for 22nd in Riyadh and will be determined to sharpen his early season form.

Jon Rahm will again be central to the storyline. The Spaniard fired a brilliant 9-under final round in Riyadh to push Smylie to the limit before narrowly missing out. Despite claiming the overall crown last season, Rahm did not record an individual victory and another runner up finish has only heightened his desire to convert contention into silverware in Australia.

Team News and Key Absences Ahead of LIV Golf Adelaide 2026

Team news once again features notable absences. Phil Mickelson remains in the United States attending to a family matter. After Ollie Schniederjans stepped in last week, the HyFlyers have now turned to Adelaide native Wade Ormsby, who has earned more than $5 million during his time with LIV, to compete in front of his home fans.

Lee Westwood continues his recovery from a wrist injury sustained before the season opener, with Ben Schmidt retaining his place in the line up.

Cleeks GC will also be without captain Martin Kaymer. The former European Ryder Cup stalwart, who finished tied 51st in Riyadh, is replaced by reserve John Catlin. His absence means three LIV captains will not feature in Adelaide.

At 4Aces, a permanent replacement for Patrick Reed has yet to be confirmed. Dustin Johnson will again rely on reserve Miguel Tabuena to complete his quartet.

While several established names are missing, the spotlight will fall firmly on those who remain. One of the most intriguing elements of the week will be the reception at the famous par-3 twelfth, where crowd energy can quickly shift momentum. Player walk out music and composure under pressure often prove as important as club selection.

Smylie embraced the theatre in Riyadh by entering to ‘A Little Less Conversation’, a nod to his namesake Elvis Presley, after whom he was named. In Adelaide he will step into an even louder arena, with expectation high that he and Ripper GC can build on their breakthrough and set the tone for the season ahead.

Phil Mickelson watches his tee shot on the 11th hole during a practice round — Phil Mickelson watches a tee shot during a practice round (Mike Ehrmann/USGA)

LIV Golf Adelaide tee times

Adelaide is 10 and a half hours ahead of the United Kingdom (GMT) and 15 and a half ahead of the United States East Coast (ET). With that time difference in mind, here are the shotgun start times for all four rounds at The Grange:

Thursday/Friday
Local: 11.45am
GMT: 1.15am
ET: 8.15pm (Wednesday/Thursday)

Saturday
Local: 1.45pm
GMT: 3.15am
ET: 10.15pm (Friday)

Sunday
Local: 11.35am
GMT: 1.05am
ET: 8.05pm (Saturday)

Cameron Smith hits a tee shot from the 11th hole during the practice round before LIV Golf Adelaide 2026 at Grange Golf Club in Australia. — Captain Cameron Smith of Ripper GC hits his shot from the 11th tee during the practice round before the start of the LIV Golf Adelaide at Grange Golf Club on Tuesday, February 10, 2026 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by NL/LIV Golf)

LIV Golf Adelaide TV coverage

Fans in the United States can tune in via Fox Sports under LIV Golf’s expanded domestic broadcast agreement. In the United Kingdom, TNT Sports will carry the tournament, with coverage getting underway 30 minutes before the scheduled shotgun start each day.

LIV Golf Adelaide prize money

There is plenty on the line in South Australia. The player who tops the individual standings will collect a $4 million payday, while the victorious team will split the $3 million first prize.

LIV Golf Adelaide 2026: Key Talking Points

Elvis Smylie and Ripper GC arrive in Adelaide after winning both the individual and team titles at the 2026 season opener in Riyadh.
Jon Rahm and defending champion Joaquin Niemann headline a strong field, with valuable OWGR points now on offer in 2026.
Several captains including Phil Mickelson, Lee Westwood and Martin Kaymer are absent, while more than 100,000 fans are expected at The Grange.

Aaron McNicholas

Aaron McNicholas is a freelance sports journalist and photographer with an MA in Sports Journalism, whose main body of work has been in cricket journalism. He has experience interviewing some of cricket’s leading players, producing match reports, previews and feature content across the sport. A lifelong golf enthusiast who has followed and played the game since childhood, Aaron is now taking the step into golf journalism, aiming to contribute to the stories that unfold across the golfing calendar through insightful previews and event coverage.