It sounds like Greg Norman’s run as the CEO of LIV Golf could be coming to an end. A.J. Perez of Front Office Sports reports that once the Saudi-backed league finalizes its partnership with the PGA Tour, “The Shark” will be “terminated.”
The report indicates that Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) mentioned the Norman would be “terminated” as CEO of LIV, per a side agreement between the PGA Tour and Saudi Arabia’s PIF (Public Investment Fund).
Norman has served as the face of LIV Golf, promoting the league and leading the charge against the PGA Tour. However, his role with the organization has harmed his reputation in golf.
The PGA Tour sent board member Jimmy Dunne and chief operating officer Ron Price to testify for the congressional hearing. Norman, who was asked to attend by Blumenthal, did not.
In June, the PGA Tour announced a “merger” with LIV Golf, one of the most surprising moves in the sports world in 2023. The two leagues agreed to drop the litigation against each other as a result.
Tiger Woods critical of Greg Norman’s leadership
In the heat of the animosity between LIV Golf and the PGA Tour, golf superstar Tiger Woods was asked multiple times for his opinion on the matter. Specifically, he was asked if he thought the two sides could ever reach an agreement.
Woods, a 15-time major champion, provided an honest answer.
“As it is, not right now, not with their leadership, not with Greg there and his animosity toward the tour itself,” Woods said. “I don’t see that happening.”
He also stated that he thought Norman needed to be ousted from his position for the two sides to come to some sort of agreement.
“I think Greg (Norman) has to go, first of all,” Woods said. “And then the litigation against us and then our countersuit against them. Those would then have to be at a stay, as well. So, then we could talk.”
Considering Woods’ comments from November, it’s not too surprising that the PGA Tour tried to reach an agreement that included Norman’s termination.
In response to Woods’ comments, Norman offered his own thoughts.
“I pay zero attention to McIlroy and Woods, right?,” Norman said, per Golf Digest. “They have their agenda for whatever reason. They’re saying whatever they want to say. It has no bearing or effect on me. I’m going to be with LIV for a long, long period of time.”
Maybe not, Greg.
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