12 March 2024 , 00:36
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Grammy-winning star Akon will perform at LIV Golf's next tournament in Miami - held at a course owned by Donald Trump.
LIV chiefs stunned fans on Monday by announcing Akon's upcoming performance, with tickets on sale now. The signer and rapper, who became a superstar thanks to hits like 'Lonely' and 'Smack That', will close the second day of LIV's next event.
The tournament will take place at Trump National Doral Miami, which has been part of LIV's calendar since the Saudi-backed circuit's launch in 2022. Trump purchased the course back in 2012, with the former US President owning several other courses.
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"We’re excited to once again deliver a memorable golf experience with an incredible music act for South Florida fans," said LIV's senior vice president of ticketing and hospitality Troy Tutt in a statement. "Akon is sure to put on a show and add to a thrilling weekend featuring top competition and entertainment in Miami."
Although Akon has enjoyed many hits over the years, he's not achieved a top-10 album in the United States since 2008. That's led to some ridicule from fans on social media. "Let me know if y'all need help booking currently popular artists," joked one fan on X.
Another fan decided to take aim at the age of LIV's roster, writing: "LIV sticking to the theme of employing professionals who peaked in 2010."
Despite criticism, LIV is a growing force within golf. Several stars have joined the tour since it's launch - most recently Masters champion Jon Rahm - while Brooks Koepka became the first LIV golfer to win a major at last year's PGA Championship.
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Akon enjoyed success during the 2000s (Getty Images)Trump is on the verge of securing the Republican nomination for this year's US presidential election and is expected to battle current president Joe Biden in November. He confirmed LIV would be returning to his Miami course in 2024 last December.
"The event they had at Doral in October was a major success!" Trump wrote on social media. His course in Miami staged LIV's season finale in 2022 and 2023, but this is the first time it will hold a tournament in the first half of the year.
LIV's Miami event will take place just a week before the Masters, which many of its stars will compete in. Former winners Dustin Johnson, Phil Mickelson, Sergio Garcia, Bubba Watson, Patrick Reed and Charl Schwartzel are all expected to be at Augusta.
Current champion Rahm will definitely be there, while Koepka and Cameron Smith are also guaranteed of a spot having won at least one other major championship during the last five years. And Joaquin Niemann was recently invited to the Masters.
Niemann's invitation comes off the back of his brilliant form on LIV tournaments, winning two of the four held already this year. There's every chance Niemann, or one of his LIV colleagues, will win a coveted green jacket next month.
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