The possibility of a truce between golf’s rival factions – the PGA Tour and LIV Golf – appears closer, with Tiger Woods’ long-standing call for the ouster of Greg Norman as CEO of LIV Golf gaining momentum.
Norman, who has led the Saudi-backed LIV Golf since its controversial debut in 2021, has been a polarizing figure amid the men’s golf divide. Tensions peaked under his leadership, particularly around player suspensions and legal battles with the PGA Tour.
Woods, a vocal critic of Norman’s role, previously stated in late 2022 that peace in professional golf depended on a leadership change at LIV. “Right now, the way things are, not now, not with his leadership, not with Greg there and his animosity towards the Tour itself, I don’t see that happening,” Woods said at the time.
added: “I think Greg has to go and then eventually we can, hopefully, stay between the two lawsuits and work something out. But why would you change anything if you have a lawsuit against you? “They sued us first.”
The situation has evolved since then. Both sides dropped their demands after reaching a framework agreement last June, and talks are now underway between the PGA Tour and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), especially without Norman’s involvement.
According Mirror USAWoods’ stance that Norman should be replaced appears to be gaining ground. Recent reports suggest that LIV Golf is actively considering a leadership transition.
Talking to Wish TVNorman confirmed the possibility of stepping aside: “Is there going to be a new CEO? Yes. There will be a new general director. “I’m fine with that,” Norman said.
He added: “Will I always have a place and be involved with LIV to some extent? Yes. I will always have that. Because of the impact LIV has created on the game of golf, I’ve had a small part of that, which I’m proud of… I’ve seen it come from a paper business model to birth. on the golf course to where it is today.”
The Sports Business Journal It first reported last month that LIV executives were discussing Norman’s possible replacement. Now Scott O’Neil, the former CEO of Merlin Entertainments who resigned in November, is reportedly a leading candidate for the job.
With the push for a change in leadership, the door may finally be open to reconciliation between LIV Golf and the PGA Tour. Tiger Woods’ insistence that “Greg has to go” will soon come true as both sides work to achieve harmony in the sport.