The establishment of the LIV Golf League in 2022 significantly reshaped the landscape of professional golf. This breakaway tour attracted a number of high-profile players, including Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka, Phil Mickelson, Charl Schwartzel, Lee Westwood, and Ian Poulter, among others. As part of its global schedule, the league introduced an event in Saudi Arabia, which was held in Jeddah during its first three seasons from 2022 to 2024. Beginning in 2025, the tournament was relocated to Riyadh Golf Club. A distinctive feature of this event is its evening format, played under floodlights, creating a unique atmosphere enhanced by music and laser shows—hallmarks of LIV Golf’s “Golf, but louder” concept. Coupled with a field that includes the guaranteed presence of numerous major champions, the tournament presents a compelling experience, making it well worth the trip to Riyadh. It is a great opportunity to expand the signature collection of the Major Quest.
While preparing for this event, several developments reported in the golf media proved disappointing. Brooks Koepka, a five-time major champion, had departed LIV Golf and would therefore not be present in Riyadh. Shortly before the tournament began, Phil Mickelson, a six-time major champion, also announced that he would not compete in the opening LIV event of 2026. Missing the opportunity to collect a combined eleven major-winning signatures from these two distinguished players was a significant setback.
However, this served as a reminder that the Major Quest is defined as much by the journey as by the outcome. I will need to find another opportunity for collecting the signatures from Brooks and Phil. With nine major champions still in the field, collectively accounting for fourteen major titles, I was excited to visit and experience LIV golf as part of quest 3.
The 9 major champions in the field included:
Sergio García was also in the field but I was able to collect his signature the week prior during Quest 2 in Bahrain. I was planning to attend the event for the first two days.
Day 1: Wednesday 4 February 2026
LIV Golf events follow a “shotgun start” format, in which all players begin their rounds simultaneously from different holes across the course. At the Riyadh event, play commenced at 18:15, with an expected finish time of approximately 22:30h. This format raised some uncertainty about post-round access to players, as they would be dispersed across the course upon completion.
As a result, I opted to arrive early, as is my usual practice. The gates opened at 15:00h and I had all intentions to be there at that time, but the driver lost his way en route to the course, so I ended up arriving only at 16:00h at the event. As usual, I knew the best place to secure signatures prior to the round was at the practice facilities.
At Riyadh Golf Club, the driving range and the putting/chipping area are located a considerable distance apart, requiring players to rely on shuttle transportation to move between the two. I chose to remain at the driving range while waiting for the players. Upon arrival, the area was completely empty, with no players yet present. I waited patiently. The players would would arrive shortly and I was ideally positioned at the entrance of the driving range. Given the shotgun start format of the event, it was likely that many players would arrive around the same time, although I hoped their arrivals might be somewhat staggered. As the only spectator in the area seeking signatures, I found the experience quite unique. This exclusivity also increased my chances of getting close to the players and requesting their autographs.
Cameron Smith was the first to arrive and promptly signed the plaque I had prepared. Shortly thereafter, Louis Oosthuizen and Graeme McDowell followed suit, and signed their plaques as well. (Graeme has a very nice and flowing signature). Next to arrive were Charl Schwartzel and Sergio García, who were engaged in conversation as they approached the driving range entrance. When I requested Charl’s signature, Sergio anticipated that I would ask for his as well. However, I explained that I had already obtained his signature the previous week at the Bahrain event, which he remembered. It was a pleasant and memorable moment of recognition.
Bubba Watson arrived amid a steady flow of players and signed both plaques commemorating his Masters victories. Martin Kaymer was exceptionally courteous and engaging, taking the time to converse while providing his autographs. When Dustin Johnson—accompanied by his brother and caddie, Austin Johnson—approached, I felt a degree of nervousness given his imposing presence. However, Dustin proved to be remarkably gracious, carefully examining both plaques before signing them. In contrast, Jon Rahm declined to sign at this time, as his security team indicated he would make time after the round. Unlike the other players, who appeared relaxed, Rahm was notably focused. It was a disappointment, surely, but I remained optimistic about opportunities after the round or on the following day. Finally, Bryson DeChambeau was the last player from whom I hoped to collect a signature. Upon arrival, he immediately approached the fans—by then, a few more spectators had gathered—and, without hesitation, signed the plaques I had prepared.
Within the span of an hour, I successfully collected 12 of the 14 targeted signatures, with only Jon Rahm remaining outstanding. I was very satisfied with how the experience had unfolded so far and could now turn my full attention to enjoying the golf itself. As the scheduled shotgun start at 18:15 approached, the event was ready to begin.
The Riyadh golf course was in excellent condition, a beautiful setting—made even more remarkable by its location in the heart of the desert. I followed Charl Schwartzel’s group, who began his round on the 9th hole. Notably, there were no other spectators following the group at that time. I stayed with them through to the 12th green, which serves as the central gathering point of the course. From there, I moved to the 7th hole, where the atmosphere was at its liveliest. A DJ was performing, and laser shows created a striking visual effect, unlike anything I had previously experienced at a golf tournament. After Dustin Johnson, Bubba Watson, and Jon Rahm played their shots on the par-3 7th, I continued to follow the group through to the 8th green.
It was now around 20:30h and it was getting really cold. Jon Rahm still had 10 holes to play. I needed to be at the 18th green when he finished his round to try to get his signatures. The hospitality facilities offered exceptional views of both the 8th hole (not the 9th) and the 18th green. Inside I enjoyed a meal, spending the next hour and a half making full use of the outstanding amenities. The combination of excellent food, quality refreshments, and a direct view of players finishing on the 18th created a very enjoyable experience. It proved to be an ideal way to pass the time while awaiting Rahm’s finish. Meanwhile, a large screen provided real-time coverage of his progress, allowing me to track his position on the course with ease.
Jon Rahm was now on the tee box of the 18th hole. His final hole. Time for me to make my way down at the place where Jon would exit the green. A large crowd of fans had gathered, all with the same intentions: trying to get a photograph or a signature of Jon Rahm. The fact that Jon was paired with Bryson DeChambeau only fueled the anticipation. These two giants are the stars of LIV golf. And it showed. Obviously a lot of younger fans gathered and I made sure I was respectfull to them by giving them in the front. But I was not going to miss my opportunity to collect my two signatures. I positioned myself equally well, but I needed to be a little more assertive then usual. When Jon emerged from the tunnel, it was immediatelly clear that he was going to take his time for his fans. This is how it should be! I was patient and when Jon stood infront of me, I presented him the plaques for his 2 major vistories. He was pleasently surprised of the effort I had put into it. He mentioned that he had never seen such an item before. He very willingly signed both plaques and moved on, taking all the time that was needed to meet his fans. The same can be said of Bryson. After his round, he took his time for his fans. It only makes them more popular wherever they play. Thanks Jon!
At the end of day 1, I collected all 14 target signatures, the largest single day haul so far of the Major Quest. With the objectives of Quest 3 already achieved, I could relax the next day and enjoy the golf. I passed for the rock concert which was starting now. It was time for me to head to the hotel and get a good night sleep.
Day 2: Thursday 5 February 2026
My objectives for the second day were straightforward: to buy several LIV Golf caps and obtain signatures from world-class players who have not won a major championship victory. These signed items would form part of “The Minor Quest” collection. You can read more about The Minor Quest on the tracker homepage. With a shortlist of players in mind, I decided to purchase five LIV caps before heading to the driving range, where I positioned myself in the same spot as the previous day. I did not plan to stay until the round was completed, so I had the secure any signature of the players when they arrived at the driving range.
Once again I found an empty driving range. The staff was in full swing to prepare for the players to arrive. I did notice a familiar face on the range, all by himself, waiting as well for the action to start. It was golf instructor Pete Cowen. I greeted him and he greeted me back. I think I provided a welcome distraction for him, while he was waiting. I asked if I could take a selfie with him. He was more than happy to do that. We talked for about 10 minutes. What an unbelievable experience! Surely this will stay for me for a long time!
The players were now arriving to start their warmup. I greeted fellow Belgians Thomas Pieters and Thomas Detry and I made sure to address them in Dutch – our mother tongue. It was nice to see the cheeky smiles on their faces when they hear a familiar language so far away from home. Ian Poulter, Paul Casey, Anthony Kim and Jaoquin Niemann all signed a golf cap. I reserved the last one for Tyrell Hatton, but for some reason I missed his arrival at the practice facilities. I will need to find another opportunity to get Tyrell’s autograph.
All that was left to do now was to watch the golf and enjoy the hospitalities. I followed Louis’ Oosthuizen group for a while. He started on the first hole. Following that group gave me the chance to see the front nine. Again, everything comes together at the 7th hole – the party hole. I stayed there for a while before heading back to the hospitality area. After some food and refreshments, I was happy to call it a day. Quest 3 was a great success and it provided a huge boost to complete “The Major Quest” target of 103 signatures! Onto Quest 4!
