Kane County Reporter

The golf world will descend later this week on Kane County. Following successful events earlier this summer in London, Oregon, New Jersey, and Boston, a new professional sports organization called LIV Golf, led by Hall of Famer Greg Norman, is coming to Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove for the fifth event of its inaugural season Sept. 16-18.

LIV is bringing golf out of the doldrums and unlocking its untapped worldwide potential. The Rich Harvest event will bring some of the best golfers to our community: U.S. Open winners like Dustin Johnson and Bryson DeChambeau, Masters winners like Bubba Watson and Patrick Reed, British Open winner Cameron Smith, fan favorites like Phil Mickelson and Sergio Garcia, and many more.

Professional golf is proven to have a positive impact on the communities where tournaments are played. The event in Kane County will attract golfers, their families and support staff, officials, and fans from all over, giving our community a unique opportunity to highlight all we have to offer, increasing economic opportunities up and down the Fox River.

Dale Berman | Provided

History has shown our region how valuable a golf tournament can be. In 2009, Rich Harvest Farms hosted the Solheim Cup, for U.S. and European women professionals. It had an astonishing direct economic impact on Sugar Grove and the surrounding region, totaling almost $20 million.

The LIV tournament should be even more beneficial. It will expand Kane County’s reach. Small business owners and community organizations will be winners from the increased revenues and foot traffic.

This is not just any tournament. As an innovative newcomer on the golf scene, LIV has made a major effort to provide positive experiences for both players and fans, differentiating offerings through curated experiences unique to each location.

A LIV tournament is enjoyable for the entire family, with an emphasis on the younger generation. As the New York Times described the Bedminster event: “The vibe from Friday to Sunday in northwestern New Jersey was decidedly younger, less stuffy and clearly more open to experimentation than on the established PGA Tour.” There is a fan village with jugglers, activities for kids, and music – plus a concert to conclude each day’s play, and clinics for younger golfers.

And, as they come to our area to watch the game’s biggest stars compete, spectators will be able to experience the magic of northern Illinois through our amazing restaurants, bars, entertainment, shopping, and products.

LIV has a revolutionary format. The tournament will be played over three days and is preceded by a pro-am, with celebrities and locals playing with professionals. LIV events have both an individual and team winner. Teams are abundant in other sports, including Formula One racing. Norman is introducing them to golf.

LIV is showing Kane County and the world that it truly cares for the prosperity of the community beyond the weekend of the tournament. As a current Kane County Board member, former Mayor of North Aurora, and 30+ year member of the Aurora Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, it’s clear to me that the relationships LIV builds with local business organizations and community leaders provide a platform to advocate our area as a regional and national destination for years to come.

As northern Illinois continues to recover from the pandemic, the economic impact of the tournament will provide a much-needed boost for local businesses in our area – and will create a billboard to advertise our attractions far and wide.  LIV’s engagement with community organizations will touch so many lives, leaving a legacy far beyond the game itself.

Dale Berman is the District 2 board member on the Kane County Board.