LIV Golf CEO and commissioner Greg Norman broke his months-long silence Thursday, expressing optimism about the future of the circuit and asserting that his role will remain unchanged.
Norman hadn’t spoken since the PGA Tour announced on June 6 a preliminary agreement with LIV that would see the two organizations and the DP World Tour form a partnership.
LIV’s existence beyond this year was called into question, as was Norman’s position — especially since Norman was unaware that Yasir Al-Rumayyan, head of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund that bankrolls LIV, and its then-competitors were discussing an alliance.
Speaking Thursday in Miami ahead of the season-ending LIV Golf Team Championship at Doral’s Blue Monster Course, Norman told reporters: “All indications are showing that the position of LIV has never been stronger and that the success of our players and our brand has never been in a better place.
“And as we look forward into 2024, we’ve got a full schedule. We’ve got some places we’ve been to before, but we’ve got some new venues as well and we’re reaching different regions.”
Norman added: “With each year that goes by, this is really going to (be) even more exciting for us. I’m definitely seeing a lot of FOMO (fear of missing out) out there. I know, personally I’m speaking to numerous players who want to come to LIV.”
As for his own position, Norman said he was never concerned, even when PGA Tour chief operating officer Ron Price told Congress in July: “If we reach a definitive agreement (with LIV), we would not have a requirement for that type of position (that Norman holds).”
“I knew it wasn’t true,” Norman said. “There is so much white noise out there. I pay zero attention to because I know sitting in this seat today, I know every step I’ve made has been for the right reasons, right reasons for the game of golf…
“I knew LIV was always going to exist. I didn’t need to be involved in the framework agreement because the success was happening here. …I don’t see LIV going anywhere but up. That’s all I can tell you.”
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