JCB is proud to have hosted and been title sponsor of LIV Golf UK by JCB, the professional golf league’s recent tournament stop. The event was played at the JCB Golf & Country Club in Rocester, England, July 26–28, attracting sellout crowds across the three days, and culminating in a dramatic finish which saw two-time major champion Jon Rahm lift his first individual LIV Golf trophy. JCB’s presenting sponsorship is part of a multiyear partnership agreement between one of the world’s largest privately owned manufacturers of construction and agricultural equipment and LIV Golf, one of the world’s premier golf leagues.
Contested on the 7,255-yard par 71 JCB Golf & Country Club, the tournament was won by Jon Rahm, captain of Legion XIII, as he shot 13-under-par to capture his first individual title since joining the league last December. Rahm’s Legion XII team, which included individual runner-up Tyrrell Hatton, also captured the team title for its fourth victory of the season.
The event, which made its debut at the JCB Golf & Country Club, attracted thousands of fans across the three days, leading to a sellout for the duration of the tournament. Fan experiences at the JCB Golf & Country Club included the iconic ‘party hole’ on the 14th, which created a stadium-like atmosphere for fans. The JCB Golf & Country Club also hosted world-renowned artist KALEO as the headline act for Saturday’s post-round entertainment, bringing LIV Golf’s famous ‘Golf, But Louder’ atmosphere to this fan-favorite event.
In addition to world-class golf by players including Rahm, Hatton, Bryson DeChambeau, Brooks Koepka, Ian Poulter, Dustin Johnson, Phil Mickelson, Cam Smith, Lee Westwood and many others, the tournament also provided a stage for JCB to showcase its product innovation and community support. JCB machinery was featured around the grounds, special fan activations were available in the fan village, plus a golf clinic was held for local youths and hosted by several of the professional golfers. In addition, there was a surprise appearance from Tristan England, driver of the JCB DIGatron™ Monster Jam® truck.
The tournament provided worldwide visibility for the JCB Golf & Country Club, which opened in 2018 on a 240-acre site adjacent to the JCB World Headquarters. The club reflects the bold, ambitious vision of Lord Bamford, Chairman of the iconic construction and agricultural equipment manufacturer. Prior to its opening, Lord Bamford said: “My vision for this golf course is for it to build an even stronger awareness of the JCB brand around the world and help drive increased demand for our products.” The course was designed by internationally renowned golf course architect Robin Hiseman of European Golf Design, and JCB equipment was instrumental in its construction.
A general view of JCB tee markers on the fourth tee during the practice round before the start of LIV Golf United Kingdom by JCB at JCB Golf & Country Club on Wednesday, July 24, 2024 in Rocester, England. (Photo by Chris Trotman/LIV Golf)
DeChambeau, the two-time US Open champion, called the course “a challenging test.” On the eve of the tournament he said, “It’s going to be a great challenge for all of us, and I’m excited to see how the week plays out.” Sam Horsfield from Majesticks GC, and a member of JCB Golf & Country Club, said, “Playing in front of the UK fans is always a good time. They seem to really get the game of golf. I think this golf course will provide a lot of challenges for us, but it should be a lot of fun.”
Added Ross Hallett, Head of Events at LIV Golf: “It’s important for LIV Golf to be here in the UK and we’ve found a fantastic partner in JCB Golf & Country Club – they’re a great supporter of golf. For us to be able to come here and play on this fantastic course in the middle of England means we are able to attract these unbelievable crowds”.
