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Greg Norman issues daring LIV Golf request to Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy

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Greg Norman Tiger Woods Rory McIlroy

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.

Greg Norman pays 'zero attention' to Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods and insists he's staying as LIV CEO | Golf News | Sky Sports

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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.”

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Here’s Why Greg Norman’s LIV Golf Dream May Be on the Brink of Collapse

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Greg Norman LIV Golf

LIV Golf’s reality has fallen short of its initial hype and promise, and it’s clear that the dream is not quite what it used to be.

Despite its ambitious goals and high-profile signings, the league has struggled with viewership, sponsorship, and legal issues, casting a shadow over its future prospects. It’s hard not to notice that the excitement around LIV Golf’s launch has given way to some serious concerns about its future. The truth is, it’s getting tougher to shake the feeling that LIV Golf’s best days might already be behind it. Greg Norman’s vision for a rival golf tour was certainly ambitious, but now it’s looking increasingly uncertain. So, what’s holding LIV Golf back?

So, what’s really going on with LIV Golf? Well, the first roadblock that might be hindering its quest for legitimacy is the lack of a clear pathway for growth and legacy. Eugenio Chacarra’s recent confession was a telling indictment of the tour’s priorities. Despite being a winner on the LIV Golf Tour, Chacarra felt unfulfilled and unrecognized, with no clear opportunities for advancement or major championships. We can’t blame the golfer here though as his words painted a picture of an organization that values money above all else which leaves its players feeling empty and uninspired.

Greg Norman believes more players will join LIV Golf after Rahm switch - SportsPro

READ: Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy rub salt into Greg Norman’s wounds with LIV Golf olive branch

While yes, Chacarra’s decision to leave LIV Golf and pursue his dreams on the PGA Tour may be considered controversial, fans do believe it was the right one. As he aptly put it, “I’m not a guy who wants more money. What will change my life is playing in Hawaii and qualifying for the majors, qualifying for the Masters, the Ryder Cup.” We mean, who wouldn’t want that? His story is a powerful reminder that for many golfers, the love of the game goes far beyond the lure of a fat paycheck.

LIV Golf is facing a bit of a conundrum, and it’s a pretty big one. The relegation system, which was supposed to inject some excitement and competition into the league, has essentially been rendered meaningless. Why you ask? Well, a case in point is Branden Grace, who finished a dismal 51st out of 57 players last season, yet is back with Stinger GC. Yeah, you read that right, a player who got relegated is just… back. No fuss, whatsoever. Unsurprisingly, this reversal has sparked a legitimacy crisis, with fans calling foul and questioning the league’s commitment to fairness and transparency. You see, it’s not just about Branden Grace, it’s about the entire system, which appears to be more focused on making exceptions for certain players rather than promoting genuine competition.

The news that took the golf world by storm, is still not official. Yes, we’re talking about the LIV Golf and Fox Sports deal. LIV Golf’s broadcast deal is still nowhere to be found – a broadcast deal for LIV Golf remains elusive. Despite all the hype, the parties involved haven’t made an official announcement yet. It’s got everyone in the golf world wondering what’s going on. To make matters worse, the merger that was supposed to be a game-changer has stalled. That’s a big problem for LIV Golf’s future. And if that wasn’t enough, coupled with the absence of OWGR points, major exemptions, and other benefits, is already taking its toll. Players like Eugenio Chacarra are already jumping ship, and well you can’t really blame them now can you?

As we all heard, Greg Norman’s time as LIV Golf’s CEO is coming to an end. Norman himself confirmed that his contract is hitting the wall in August 2025 and while he’ll be sticking around in some capacity it’s clear that his role is about to undergo a major change. Norman has been fully committed to LIV until now and has done pretty amazing work like getting golfers like Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau to join the league. However, he’s likely to step back from the CEO position, which means he’ll have less influence over key decisions and important matters. This news isn’t entirely unexpected, given rumors that the PIF was seeking new leadership. As LIV Golf continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how Norman’s legacy will move onwards.

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Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy rub salt into Greg Norman’s wounds with LIV Golf olive branch

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Tiger Woods Rory McIlroy Greg Norman

Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy launched a new golf and reached out to Greg Norman’s successor at LIV Golf.

Norman was head of the breakaway league when it first launched in 2022. Despite LIV and the PGA Tour agreeing on the framework for a merger in June 2023, Woods and McIlroy have remained at loggerheads with the two-time major winner.

On Tuesday, Woods and McIlroy attended the inaugural Tomorrow’s Golf League match, launched by their company TMRW Sports. Blending virtual golf and matchplay, the indoor team event is a major shakeup in the golfing world—and an invite was extended to a LIV Golf executive.

Big Blow to Greg Norman's Pride as Tiger Woods Endorses New LIV Golf CEO With Warm TGL Welcome - EssentiallySports

READ: Tiger Woods confirms plan for TGL debut as young phenom is forced to wait

The Sports Business Journal reported that Scott O’Neil, who is widely expected to replace Norman as LIV CEO, was spotted at the SoFi Center for the debut of TGL. There was no mention of O’Neil being accompanied by Norman. It has been reported that the 69-year-old will be moved into a different role by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund.

In 2022, Woods turned down a reported $800m offer from LIV to leave the PGA Tour. That December, at the height of golf’s fractious rivalry, Woods felt there was no hope of a merger because Norman was in charge. “Not right now, not with their leadership, not with Greg there and his animosity towards the tour itself. I don’t see that happening,” Woods said.

“As Rory said, I think Greg’s got to leave and then we can eventually, hopefully, have a stay between the two lawsuits and figure something out. But why would you change anything if you’ve got a lawsuit against you?

“They sued us first. I see that there’s an opportunity out there if both organisations put a stay on their litigation but that’s the problem, they’ve got to put a stay on it. I think it has to start with leadership on their side.”

While Woods is part of the PAC working on the merger between the PGA and LIV, McIlroy has also spent time with PIF officials. Having previously advised Norman to “exit stage left”, the Northern Irishman believed a deal would be easier to strike without Norman’s involvement.

“I think I’ve said this before, I have spent time with [PIF chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan] and the people that have represented him in LIV I think have done him a disservice, so [Greg] Norman and those guys,” McIlroy explained last year.

“I actually think there’s a really big disconnect between PIF and LIV. I think you got PIF over here and LIV are sort of over here doing their own thing. So the closer that we can get to Yasir, PIF and hopefully finalise that investment, I think that will be a really good thing.”

The launch of TGL had been delayed by a year before The Bay Golf Club scored a 9-2 win over the New York Golf Club on Tuesday. TGL is comprised of six four-man teams, with each 15-hole match split between triples and singles matchplay. Having been organized in with the PGA, TGL will be played on weekdays and is next in action on January 14.

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Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy add insult to injury for Greg Norman at TGL launch

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Tiger Woods Rory McIlroy

Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy sent an invite to the man tipped to replace Greg Norman at LIV Golf to their brand-new indoor golf league.

When LIV first hit the fairways in 2022, Norman was at the helm, stirring up controversy and causing a rift in the world of professional golf. And while LIV and the PGA Tour agreed on a framework for a merger between the two promotions in June 2023, McIlroy and Woods have remained at a standoff with Aussie legend Norman.

At a ground-breaking event held on Tuesday (January 7), both McIlroy and Woods graced the inaugural match of the Tomorrow’s Golf League – an ambitious project of their joint company TMRW Sports. This innovative league marries virtual reality tech with the classic game in an indoor matchup setting, a bold step for the sport – and an invite to the event was even extended to a LIV Golf executive.

Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy TGL

READ: Inside the 10 most remarkable courses on Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy’s TGL

According to the Sports Business Journal, Scott O’Neil – who is rumoured to be stepping into Norman’s shoes as LIV’s main man – was seen attending the TGL’s big kick-off at the SoFi Center without Norman alongside him. Speculation suggests Norman, aged 69, will be pivoted to a new position by the bosses at Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, reports the Mirror US.

Back in 2022, Woods famously refused a jaw-dropping offer from LIV, speculated to be around $800m, opting to stick with the PGA Tour. That December, during the height of the tensions between the rival golf factions, Woods spoke out, doubting a merger while Norman was at the wheel.

He said: “Not right now, not with their leadership, not with Greg there and his animosity towards the tour itself. I don’t see that happening. As Rory said, I think Greg’s got to leave and then we can eventually, hopefully, have a stay between the two lawsuits and figure something out. But why would you change anything if you’ve got a lawsuit against you?

“They sued us first. I see that there’s an opportunity out there if both organisations put a stay on their litigation but that’s the problem, they’ve got to put a stay on it. I think it has to start with leadership on their side.” While Woods is actively involved in the PAC overseeing the potential PGA-LIV merger, McIlroy hasn’t shied away from engaging with PIF chiefs either.

After earlier suggesting that Norman should “exit stage left”, McIlroy believes removing Norman from the equation could pave the way for smoother negotiations. He explained last year: “I think I’ve said this before, I have spent time with [PIF chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan] and the people that have represented him in LIV I think have done him a disservice, so [Greg] Norman and those guys.

Greg Norman has been LIV Golf CEO since 2022

“I actually think there’s a really big disconnect between PIF and LIV. I think you got PIF over here and LIV are sort of over here doing their own thing. So the closer that we can get to Yasir, PIF and hopefully finalise that investment, I think that will be a really good thing.”

The TGL launch was delayed by a year prior to Tuesday’s event, which saw The Bay Golf Club clinch a 9-2 win over New York Golf Club. TGL is made up of six four-man teams, with each 15-hole match split into triples and singles play. It is set to be played on weekdays, and the next event takes place on January 15.

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Tiger Woods Predicted Greg Norman’s Fall, but LIV HQ’s Plans for Its CEO Tell a Different Story

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Tiger Woods Greg Norman

“I think Greg has to go, first of all,” said Tiger Woods in 2022. Much has changed since then. The PGA Tour, PIF, and the DP World Tour look closer to hashing out a deal than they were two years ago. And the time has come for Greg Norman to leave. 

Reportedly, LIV Golf has already found Norman’s replacement. Former Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (HBSE) executive Scott O’Neil will replace Great White Shark later this year. Now, Greg Norman also admitted that his LIV Golf contract will expire by August 2025. And LIV Golf might announce the new CEO as soon as next week.

It might appear that the prophecy has come true. But Norman won’t ‘exit stage left’ as Woods’s friend Rory McIlroy wanted. Reportedly, Norman will work behind the scenes. Although it’s not clear how much power he will wield, Shark is expected to take up a different role.

Tiger Woods blasts Greg Norman amid LIV Golf row

READ: How Many Back Surgeries Has Tiger Woods Had? Injuries Explored Amid Hero World Challenge Shocker

Recently, Norman shared a few snippets from his trip to East Asia. He was instrumental in finalizing LIV Golf’s South Korea move. Coincidentally, the venue, Jack Nicklaus Golf Club, hosted a DP World Tour event weeks back. Moreover, Norman also plans to bring the nascent league to Japan, another strong Asian market.

Data reveals that the craze for golf in Japan is even more than in South Korea. In a recent picture, Norman was seen presenting a blueprint for LIV Golf Japan 2026. Currently, Japan hosts the PGA Tour’s Zozo Championship.

It should be noted that, per the latest report, PIF, LIV Golf’s financial backer, and the DP World Tour are now involved in chalking out a separate agreement. While Norman’s influence in this matter is doubtful, there are a few other reasons to believe that the two-time major champion will play an important role in shaping LIV’s future.

Greg Norman is living his 90s dream of a global tour through LIV Golf. In PIF, the 69-year-old has found a financial backer that funded his disruptive project. Since last year, LIV has been actively looking at newer markets like Hong Kong and Singapore. Both venues feature in the PIF-funded sides’s next schedule.

Greg Norman, despite his hampered reputation on Stateside, still enjoys a ‘global champion’ status overseas. As David Feherty rightly noted in a recent interview, Norman was a global golf icon before Tiger Woods took that mantle. So, it won’t be surprising if the two-time major winner is given an ambassadorial role in the future.

More importantly, Norman’s outsized influence on players is hard to ignore. From Cam Smith, Jon Rahm, and Bryson DeChambeau to Phil Mickelson and Dustin Johnson, Greg Norman is known to have a good rapport with players of different age groups.

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