LIV Golf announces 5 new GMs
LIV Golf has announced five new general managers. The Saudi-backed circuit features 13 teams, each consisting of four players.
Five teams - Legion XIII, Ripper GC, Iron Heads GC, Cleeks GC, and Stinger GC - now have new general managers. Interestingly, these GMs come from different countries and bring decades of experience in the sports industry.
Jonas Martensson, the former CEO of Mojang Studios, joins Cleeks GC. Hailing from Sweden, Martensson has extensive business experience, including with XL Media. He expressed his excitement about "helping grow the Cleeks brand" as he joined the Saudi-backed circuit.
"I look forward to leveraging my consumer facing experience in gaming and merchandise to help grow the Cleeks brand and fan engagement," Martensson said (via LIV Golf).
Jeff Koski, the Senior Vice President of Golf at SPORTFIVE, has joined Jon Rahm’s Legion XIII and stated that he aims to "set the bar higher and higher" for the team.
“Our team is dedicated to becoming the standard of professional team golf, setting the bar higher and higher both on and off the course," Koski said (via LIV Golf).
Martin Kim, previously associated with Gen.G eSports, has been appointed GM of Iron Heads GC. He has also worked with Major League Baseball (MLB) and the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Kim shared his excitement about joining LIV Golf. He was quoted as saying (via LIV Golf):
“I am thrilled to be a part of this new era of professional golf, with the goal of building the Iron Heads into a successful global franchise."
Richard Glover, who has experience working with the ATP Tour and in cricket, is the new general manager of Stinger GC. Glover has previously worked for Cricket South Africa, Arsenal FC, and Frontiers Sport & Entertainment. Commenting on joining Stinger GC, he said (via LIV Golf):
"I am excited to collaborate with Louis and the rest of the team to build Stinger GC into a sustainable sporting brand – one that has a global reach, whilst also maintaining a deep connection with South Africa."
Ripper GC has also hired a new manager, Nick Adams. Adams brings a diverse range of experience in the sports industry, having worked with renowned organizations like ESPN and Sony Music.
"I am extremely excited to work within the LIV Golf organization to help further democratize the game of golf and grow the sport globally," Adams said (via LIV Golf).
Since its inception in 2022, LIV Golf has grown into a popular golf series. Initially featuring just eight events in its first season, the series expanded to 14 tournaments in 2024.
What is next on LIV Golf?
LIV Golf players will tee off this week at the Chicago event, with the tournament starting its first round on September 13 at Bolingbrook Golf Club. The three-day event will conclude with the final round on Sunday, September 15.
Following this, players from the Saudi-backed circuit will head to Dallas for the season-ending Team Championship. The tournament will take place from September 20 to 22 at Maridoe Golf Club.