Rumors that have been circulating for weeks have now been officially confirmed. Namely, the CEO of LIV Golf, Greg Norman, will be replaced in that position. In an interview with WISH-TV, the well-known face of the golf scene revealed what will happen in the coming period. Greg believes that LIV Golf is a great project with a huge perspective.
However, he admits that someone will succeed him in the position of CEO. In addition, the 69-year-old will continue to be involved in the operations of LIV Golf, in what capacity is unknown. He believes that the Saudi-backed Tour has done amazing things and had a huge impact on the world of golf. A man who is not exactly a favorite figure has no intention of giving up on this project.
“I’ve seen it [LIV] come from a business model on paper to giving birth on the golf course to where it is today,” Norman said. “So, I will always be — is there going to be a new CEO? Yes. There will be a new CEO. I’m fine with that. Will I always have a place and be involved with LIV to some capacity? Yes, I’ll always have that. Because the impact that has been created in the game of golf by LIV, I’ve had a small, small piece of that, which I’m proud of.”- Greg Norman said, as quoted by Golf.
Before Norman spoke about the fact that he would stop being the CEO next year, there were already rumors about who could succeed him. It is already being mentioned that this Tour could hire former Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment CEO Scott O’Neil as its new CEO. It is still not known how much truth there is in these rumors, but it is obvious that LIV wants to hire a well-known name and someone who could really do amazing things in the position of CEO.
Judging by the reactions of LIV officials, they are happy as Greg was engaged and ready to help the project that appeared on the golf scene two years ago. Norman spoke to the media about the PGA Tour and their ambitions when it comes to the future of this sport. Greg thinks that the emergence of LIV has turned out to be a great thing for the PGA, although many have a completely different opinion.
The 69-year-old placed special emphasis on SSG, which invested as much as $1.5 billion. He points out that although many were critical of LIV, they have now changed their minds. Greg Norman is convinced that many follow LIV. He wants fans to look at the situation realistically and objectively, and realize that the Saudi-backed Tour has done a lot for the world of golf.
Greg Norman© Australian Golf Digest. / Youtube Channel
Immediately after Norman confirmed that he won’t be the CEO next year, there were reactions from fans via social media. Golf fans, as we have already said, are generally not satisfied with his adventure at LIV, especially when we know the influence Greg has in the golf community.
Fans believe that money is a priority for Norman. Also, many point out that no matter what his next function on this Tour is, Norman will earn huge money and strive to promote the Saudi-backed Tour.
Some expect that this Tour will weaken over time, and that it will disappear from the golf scene completely. It is still not known how realistic this is, but it seems that the main priority of both parties is to unite. Although a final agreement has not yet been reached, most would like to see such a scenario.
Greg Norman’s reaction to the merger in April
Negotiations between PIF and the PGA Tour continue. Back in April, Greg Norman spoke about the fans’ concern that the final agreement would not be reached. Norman stressed that he is not aware of anything regarding the negotiations, considering that LIV is not part of the negotiations. Their investors are key in these negotiations, but it is clear that there are obstacles for the PGA Tour and PIF to reach a final agreement. There is still no solution.
“I would love to give you insight, but I don’t have any.
We at LIV are totally separate from that part of the negotiation. We are a standalone company being invested by the same investor interested in the game of golf.
Our investor wanted to invest in LIV because he loved the opportunity of the franchise model, what he could do with it and how we can build it out on a global platform.”- Greg Norman said.
The future could be interesting for the world of golf.
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