Why LIV Golf captains see team golf as future for the sport
Bryson Dechambeau and Bubba Watson detailed the future of team golf in a press conference with Jon Rahm, Phil Mickelson and Brooks Koepka.
Greg Norman’s role as the CEO of LIV Golf could be coming to an end.
A report in Sports Business Journal says Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, which finances LIV, has been searching for a new CEO, a role Norman has held since the tour debuted nearly 2 1/2 years ago.
Norman, who lives in Palm Beach Gardens, would remain with the league but it is not certain in what capacity, according to the report.
When reached by the Palm Beach Post, a LIV Golf official said the league is not commenting on the report. LIV is headquartered in West Palm Beach.
Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark was among those contacted for the position, according to the report, but talks did not progress. LIV has contracted out London-based Odgers Berndtson for the search.
Norman, 69, worked tirelessly to get the league started as a rival to the PGA Tour. With Phil Mickelson helping him lead the charge, Norman was successful in poaching several stars from the PGA Tour, including Brooks Koepka, Dustin Johnson, Bryson DeChambeau, Cameron Smith and Jon Rahm.
Helping was the PIF’s unending resources that has allowed for three-year contracts topping $100 million for the elite players.
More: 100 rounds in, LIV Golf has made significant impact on PGA Tour in one critical area | D’Angelo
Norman continues to have support within LIV. Although the league continues to struggle when it comes to popularity and television ratings, LIV’s impact on the PGA Tour has been significant. Every move the tour has made in the past two years to infuse money into the game has been a reaction to LIV and its endless stream of Saudi money.
Not first time Norman, LIV appeared to be splitting up
This isn’t the first time Norman appeared to be on the outs with LIV. Sixteen months ago, Norman was not part of the negotiations that led to the announcement that the PGA Tour and LIV Golf were merging. That caused speculation that he would be left behind.
But since, Norman has maintained he is not going anywhere and would be a major player in moving LIV into the future. The sides also continue to negotiate after targeting Dec. 31, 2023 as a deadline to complete a deal.
Last month, PGA Tour officials, including Jupiter Island’s Tiger Woods, met with PIF representatives in New York. And PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan and Rory McIlroy played alongside Yasir Al-Rumayyan, who heads the PIF, during a recent DP World Tour event.
Tom D’Angelo is a senior sports columnist and golf reporter for The Palm Beach Post. He can be reached at tdangelo@pbpost.com.
