LIV Golf Team Championship Set to Ignite Michigan with High-Stakes Drama and Festival Vibes

The 2025 LIV Golf Team Championship is poised to deliver an electrifying conclusion to the season at The Cardinal at Saint John’s in Plymouth, Michigan, from August 22-24, 2025. Announced during a press conference on July 30, 2025, hosted by LIV Golf’s Arlo White alongside Ripper GC captain Cam Smith, Stinger GC captain Louis Oosthuizen, and Kevin Doyle of the Pulte Family Foundation, this event promises a bold, innovative team golf experience unlike anything else in the sport. With a new format, world-class competition, and a festival-like atmosphere, Michigan is set to host a historic celebration of LIV Golf’s team spirit.

A Bold New Format for 2025

The 2025 Team Championship introduces a dynamic format designed to maximize strategy and player participation. On Wednesday, August 20, the 12th- and 13th-seeded teams from the regular season—Majesticks GC and Iron Heads GC—will face off in a survive-and-advance play-in match. Featuring two singles matches and one alternate-shot foursomes match, the winner advances to the main tournament, while the loser’s season ends.

Friday’s quarterfinals bring another twist: no byes for top seeds, ensuring all 12 qualifying teams and 48 players compete. Top seeds, led by Legion XIII, Crushers GC, and Fireballs GC, gain the strategic advantage of choosing their opponents. Each matchup includes two singles matches and one foursomes match, with the first team to secure two points advancing to Saturday’s semifinals.

Saturday splits into two brackets: the championship bracket for the six advancing teams and the rankings bracket for the six eliminated teams, who compete for final standings. The format mirrors Friday, with top seeds in each bracket selecting opponents. On Sunday, the championship culminates in stroke play, where all four players’ scores count, just like the regular season. The three remaining teams in the championship bracket battle for the title, while the nine rankings bracket teams vie for their final positions. “Every swing matters, every golfer out on the golf course,” White emphasized, promising “electrifying excitement” over the four days.

A Perfect Venue and Community Partnership

The Cardinal at Saint John’s, a newly transformed venue, aligns perfectly with LIV Golf’s vision. Kevin Doyle of the Pulte Family Foundation highlighted the event’s significance for the community. “It’s a privilege for us to be hosting this event,” Doyle said, noting Michigan’s passionate sports culture. The foundation, which directs 100% of St. John’s profits to charity, supports initiatives like food rescue, employment for people with intellectual disabilities, and youth development. LIV Golf’s partnership amplifies these efforts, with charitable programs planned during the tournament.

Doyle emphasized the resort’s transformation into a “one-stop shop destination,” designed to host global events like this. “We’re incredibly grateful that LIV saw St. John’s for exactly what we designed it to be,” he said, anticipating 10,000 to 15,000 fans per day. The event will showcase the resort’s capabilities while generating exposure and income for the foundation’s mission.

Captains’ Perspectives: Strategy and Rivalry

Defending champions Ripper GC, led by Cam Smith, and Stinger GC, captained by Louis Oosthuizen, bring strategic expertise and fierce team spirit. Smith reflected on their 2024 title win in Dallas, crediting teammates Marc Leishman and Lucas Herbert for their semifinal heroics against Fireballs GC. “Leish and Herby pulled us through,” Smith recalled, noting their clutch play set up the final-day victory. For 2025, Ripper GC plans to maintain pairings based on shared equipment—Smith and Matt Jones play the same ball, as do Leishman and Herbert—to optimize performance, especially in alternate-shot foursomes.

Oosthuizen, whose Stinger GC will compete in South Africa for the first time in 2026, echoed the importance of equipment compatibility, pairing with Charl Schwartzel for the same ball. He acknowledged the challenge of facing strong teams like Ripper GC, saying, “The Rippers are a strong team… it would be really tough.” Both captains relished the Australia-South Africa rivalry, with Smith calling it “a good rematch” and Oosthuizen joking about avoiding Ripper GC until the final stages.

The new format’s lack of byes adds volatility. Smith noted that playing the course on Friday could benefit teams, as last year’s bye didn’t guarantee an advantage. Oosthuizen agreed, warning that top seeds could face upset if they falter in match play, but their season-long strength makes them formidable.

A Festival Beyond Golf

The Team Championship is more than golf—it’s a three-day festival. Grammy Award-winning Imagine Dragons will perform Saturday afternoon, followed by multi-platinum Swedish House Mafia on Sunday, enhancing the event’s vibrant atmosphere. “It’s colorful, it’s loud, it’s family-friendly, but most of all, it’s fun,” said LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil in a video message. The shotgun start ensures all action unfolds in four and a half hours, allowing fans to see every player while enjoying fan zones, concerts, and family activities. Oosthuizen highlighted the festival vibe, noting it attracts younger audiences and non-golf fans, distinguishing LIV Golf from traditional tournaments.

Looking Ahead

Coming off a record-setting LIV Golf Indianapolis, where Torque GC set a team scoring record and Jon Rahm defended his Individual Championship, the Team Championship is poised to crown a new champion. With Legion XIII as the top seed, followed by Crushers GC and Fireballs GC, the competition is fierce. Smith, despite a challenging individual season, is motivated to end on a high note, while Oosthuizen aims to leverage Stinger GC’s consistency.

Michigan’s passionate sports fans are expected to create a “rowdy” atmosphere, as Smith predicted, making The Cardinal at Saint John’s the perfect stage for this global event. For tickets, updates, and more, visit the official LIV Golf website. Don’t miss the chance to witness the 2025 LIV Golf Team Championship redefine team golf!

Quotes and date courtesy of LIV Golf Media