Outgoing LIV Golf CEO Greg Norman has called out Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, urging them to acknowledge the benefits they’ve reaped from the emergence of the controversial golf league.
Despite being vocal critics of LIV and showing loyalty to the PGA Tour, Norman believes both golf icons have profited from the competition LIV has introduced. Norman has stepped down from his role to be replaced by Scott O’Neil, an experienced sports and entertainment executive. Norman is expected to continue working for LIV in some capacity.
“I would love them to recognise the fact that – like Tiger with his PIP money (Player Impact Program) – that only came because of LIV, right?” Norman told Australian Golf Digest. “So Tiger benefitted from that. Rory’s definitely benefitted from that.
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“I would love to sit down and talk to them about it, no question about it. Because I’m not a judgmental person and you only learn the facts and truth when you hear the other side of it.
“But, yes, would I like to sit down with them? Sure, absolutely. And you know what? I’d win the debate.”
The relationship between Norman and McIlroy has been marked by public sparring over LIV, with McIlroy recently endorsing Norman’s departure as a positive step for the league. This comes after Norman had accused McIlroy of being “brainwashed” by the PGA Tour.
Discussions regarding a merger between the PGA Tour and LIV’s backers – Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund – are still happening, but Norman has stepped away from the negotiating table. Meanwhile, Woods and McIlroy have launched their new TGL league, blending traditional golf with simulated indoor play.
The league which saw Woods play and will see McIlroy’s debut next Monday amid other renowned players, hasn’t captured Norman’s attention. “No, I haven’t watched a bit of it because there’s a couple of players who’ve been very vocal against me,” Norman added.
“So I’m not going to say anything positive or negative about it. All I can say is: The more golf gets exposure in different ways, the better off it is.
“Simulator golf is simulator golf. We had Putt-Putt and all those miniature golf courses we built around the world. I think innovation is a wonderful thing, I’m not going to belittle that. I wish them all the very best and success because it’s the market, right? They’re going to be pulling people into the game of golf.”
