LIV Golf and Panini Group announced Thursday, February 22, the launch of a line of golf trading cards allegorical to the circuit. The cards will be dedicated to both players and teams and will be available during the current 2024 season.
According to Panini America’s X account, these are the first golf trading cards dedicated to teams. The initiative will soon launch the cards in their digital format and later in the season they will be available in physical format.
The joint effort between LIV Golf and Panini is not limited to the production and marketing of trading cards. A high-end line of autographs and other on-course memorabilia will also be launched. Both companies are also preparing activities at the tournaments with the participation of the players themselves.
Commenting on this new opportunity for the circuit, CEO Greg Norman said
“LIV Golf is thrilled to partner with Panini, a global brand committed to connecting with fans around the world through the love of sport. Just as our league continues to innovate and bring professional team golf mainstream, our partnership will introduce new products to the market for millions of passionate fans and collectors to enjoy. As a former player, I’m particularly excited for our players and teams as we work with Panini to elevate their platforms in this space.”
The Panini Group is one of the world’s leading brands in the production and marketing of trading cards. The company was founded in 1961 with trading cards as its core business. The Italian company later expanded into the publication of books, comics and magazines, and is represented around the world.
Panini’s core expertise is in football (soccer) trading cards, although they have also been involved in basketball (NBA), ice hockey (NHL), and NASCAR, among others.
The path of the golf trading cards
Trading cards are not a new phenomenon in golf, although they have been out of use for some time. Since the 19th century, allegorical golf trading cards have been popular, providing information about the major players and their results.
By the 20th century, they were becoming increasingly popular and collectible. Since then, their production has had periods of prosperity and others of less presence in the market. Nevertheless, the major players of each era have always found their place on trading cards, even in multi-sport sets.
The last boom period for golf trading cards was the 1990s. The most popular and sought-after card in history dates from that time. It is the Tiger Woods Upper Deck RC #1, which shows Tiger as a rookie.