Rumors about Greg Norman’s replacement have been circulating for some time.
They have almost always resurfaced in conjunction with calls from various quarters for the removal of Jay Monahan from his position as CEO of the PGA Tour and then of PGA Tour Enterprises.
But since they were never substantiated by indications that they were valid, I have always viewed them as attempts to divert attention and the spotlight from the Commissioner of the PGA Tour.
Now, however, the situation seems to be different.
Liv Golf, news
The Sports Business Journal was the newspaper that first reported the news, which then bounced around to various other media.
The Saudi Sovereign Fund, the financier of LIV golf, has hired Odgers Berndtson, a leading firm specialized in high-profile executive searches, to identify a person who can replace Greg Norman as CEO of the Saudi League, a few months ago.
The list of possible candidates is obviously not known (only the name of Brett Yormark, Commissioner of the Big 12 Conference, has leaked), but they are all very experienced executives.
The appointment of a new CEO will be the culmination of a recruitment campaign that has strengthened the structure of LIV Golf in recent months.
Team managers have been appointed for Legion XII, Ripper GC, Cleeks GC, Stinger GC and Iron Heads GC with the task of managing the day-to-day operations of the teams, such as sponsorships, marketing and player relations.
Ilana Finley, former senior executive of Nike first and then of Converse, has been named Chief Communications Officer.
The question now arises spontaneously: what will be the fate of Greg Norman once he is replaced?
There is no clear indication on this.
What seems certain is that he will become part of the senior management of LIV Golf.
The days of the Great White Shark’s front-line battles appear to be coming to an end in 2024.