Hayrides, scripted answers, wild parties and clowns (real ones) — here’s what a week at a LIV Golf event is truly like

For all the chaos at the start of the week, by the time gates opened at 10 a.m. for fans ahead of the first round, they were able to see just what the Public Investment Fund – the sovereign wealth fund of Saudi Arabia that backs LIV Golf – is capable of.

More: LIV Golf fans waited for hours in traffic outside the course

One major success story for LIV Golf is its strategy to play to the fans in multiple ways. The circuit is hosting events in markets starved for professional golf like Portland, New Jersey and Chicago, and scheduling them opposite weaker stops on Tour. Food and drink options are reasonably priced. Active-duty military and veterans get in for free at LIV events, same with kids 15 and younger with a ticketed adult. The series also offers 25 percent discounts for college students, teachers, medical professionals and first responders. Team gear was seen everywhere, mostly for Mickelson’s Hy-Flyers. The fan zone is loaded with games and activities, so much so that you can forget you’re supposed to be at a golf tournament.

‘We are all complicit:’ LIV Golf fans in Portland don’t seem to care about Saudi Arabia funding

The shotgun start format works for fans, especially families, because they know exactly when it starts and ends. The team aspect has promise but with the rosters and team names changing between events, it’s impossible to buy in just yet. Most in attendance couldn’t name more than four of the 12 teams, let alone a full roster. That said, the series has scheduled expansion to 14 events and will re-brand as the LIV Golf League in 2023, and more players are expected to be announced throughout the year.

So what’s the takeaway, after a full week on-site at a LIV Golf stop?

Issues still abound and players are allowed to hide from hard questions.

But just because Norman looks and acts the part of a fool sometimes, that doesn’t make LIV Golf events a total clown show — well, aside from the actual clowns they had juggling while riding around on bicycles and unicycles.

Clowns at the LIV Golf Invitational Series event in Portland in June. (Photo: Golfweek)

Golfweek reporter Adam Woodard spent the entire week in Portland covering the LIV Golf event. He has also written numerous stories about the emergence of the circuit.