Ripper GC heads into the LIV Golf Riyadh season opener with confidence as the team prepares for their first appearance on Saudi Arabian soil. The Australian-dominated squad, led by Cameron Smith, arrives at the inaugural Riyadh event in strong form following their performances in the previous season.
The Riyadh tournament marks a significant milestone for the LIV Golf League, as it debuts an expanded format featuring four rounds of competition instead of the traditional three. The field has also grown to accommodate 57 players, representing the league’s largest tournament structure to date.
Ripper GC’s roster includes Smith alongside fellow Australians Marc Leishman and Matt Jones, with Chilean Joaquin Niemann completing the four-man lineup. The team’s preparation for the season opener comes amid heightened expectations as they compete on what could be considered familiar territory within the Middle Eastern golf circuit.
Expanded Format Debuts in Saudi Arabia
The structural changes to the LIV Golf format represent a notable evolution for the tour, moving away from its signature 54-hole format that has defined the league since its inception. The four-round format brings the Riyadh event closer to traditional professional golf tournament structures while maintaining the league’s team competition element.
The expanded field size allows for greater participation among LIV Golf’s player pool, potentially creating more competitive dynamics throughout the leaderboard. These format adjustments come as the league continues to establish its identity within the professional golf landscape.
Season Opener Sets Stage
As the 2024 season launches in Riyadh, teams across the league are positioning themselves for what promises to be a competitive campaign. The Saudi Arabian venue provides a neutral setting for international competition, with players from various continents converging for the opening event.
The tournament’s timing as a season opener adds strategic importance for teams like Ripper GC, as early momentum can prove valuable throughout the extended campaign. With the expanded format providing additional opportunities for scoring and team positioning, the Riyadh event could establish early season narratives that carry through subsequent tournaments.
.@rippergc_ head into their home event in top form 💪#LIVGolfRiyadh | @RiyadhAir pic.twitter.com/R4ZP3xEJjb
— LIV Golf (@livgolf_league) February 9, 2026
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