What we thought - More than 43,000 fans watch some of the world's best at LIV Golf UK in Staffordshire

The controversies surrounding the breakaway Saudi-backed tour seem long forgotten, at least for those watching the event in the West Midlands last week. 

A professional tournament, featuring some of the world’s best and most iconic of all time, was held right here at the JCB Golf and Country Club in Staffordshire.

Hype for the three-day tournament, from Friday to Sunday, seemed even greater this year. Thousands of fans queued outside the course’s gates, hours before the action began, waiting eagerly in anticipation.

Crowds at the driving range were more than 10 rows deep as players warmed up while youngsters excitedly surrounded the practice putting green and chipping areas, hoping to get a signature from one of the 54 competitors. 

The tournament was the second LIV Golf UK event to be held at the course near Uttoxeter, and it was announced this week that the series will return there again next year.

The event will have undoubtedly given the region a huge tourism and economic boost, with fans, members of the media, players and more staying in the area.

Attendees came from close and afar to get a glimpse of some of the world’s best. More than 43,000 fans attended across the three-day tournament, six thousand more than last year. 

And as for the setting, it simply is one of the best in the UK. Each blade of grass is meticulously cut and cared for by a large team of greenkeepers.

Each stunning hole offers something unique, and the 244-yard par three, 17th hole, never fails to amaze. 

The par-71, 7,276-yard course was established in 2018 by Lord Bamford, chairman of JCB, with the aim of promoting the JCB brand and hosting high-profile golf tournaments. 

Spanning 240 acres of East Staffordshire countryside, the course was designed by Robin Hiseman. The wide range of green contours made for some tricky putts and interesting viewing. 

The course has certainly lived up to hopes and expectations, and should join pottery, oatcakes, Alton Towers, and Cannock Chase amongst others in the long list of things that the region is well known and famous for. 

The event is made even more special by the chance for fans to see some of England's best.

Tyrell Hatton received a lot of love across the three days, as did Staffordshire’s own Richard Bland, who was born in Burton-on-Trent. 

Ryder Cup veterans Ian Poulter and Lee Westwood attracted large crowds, and their Majestics GC relished it being their home event. Hundreds of fans watched from the ‘Majestics Arms’ pop-up pub, situated off the ninth green. 

LIV Golf is centred around fans having a great time, music blared out of large speakers around the course, and although the enthusiastic presenters over the tannoy were interpreted as cringeworthy at times by fans, there was great spirit amongst watchers. 

Tyrrell Hatton likened the atmosphere to one like at a football match, and that was certainly the case at times. 

Patrick Reed was reminded of his famous incident in the Bahamas in 2019, where he moved sand from behind his ball in a bunker after finding the sand on the tough 17th hole.

LIV Golf is different; it isn’t what you would stereotypically expect at a golf tournament, but it’s certainly fun, and fans love that. 

The event is more than just a golf tournament. The fan zone featured a variety of games and family entertainment while fans danced the night away on Saturday with a performance by DJ Kygo.

Critics and many in the golfing world thought LIV would go away and fizzle out into nothing. But, on this evidence, that is not the case.

The tour and its events, certainly in the UK, are growing, getting better, and becoming more popular.

Another big focus is growing the game and inspiring the next generation. The Majestics GC’s headline community impact programme, Little Sticks, that aims to create a more inclusive and enjoyable environment for children and young people to unleash their potential through golf, was showcased at the event. 

Thousands of youngsters watched the tournament, and this can only be good for growing the game of golf. 

The course makes for great viewing with the different varieties of holes. Players were very complimentary of the course, which has been adapted over the past year based on feedback. 

And those who were fortunate enough to stay in one of the 10 luxury on-site lodges had an easy 30-second trip to the driving range and putting area.

Players are looked after, but so are the fans. They are well thought of.

Facilities including water stations, toilets, and places to eat and drink are scattered around the course, making the experience more pleasant for attendees. 

The shotgun start format does have some drawbacks. Some groups can become clumped together, meaning you can see lots of action within a short space of time, but then find yourself waiting more than 20 minutes for the next group.

Furthermore, with players teeing off at the same time meaning that action only takes place in the afternoon, fans have less opportunity to see the whole course or each player. 

But, despite this, LIV Golf UK at the JCB Golf and Country Club in Staffordshire was a huge success, and it would be no surprise to see further interest in the event next year.