Greg Norman breaks silence on PGA Tour-PIF negotiation: LIV’s position has ‘never been stronger’

DORAL, Fla. — Greg Norman insists that LIV Golf is here to stay despite rumors of its uncertain future. Speaking at the season-ending championship at Trump National Doral, Norman dismissed any doubts surrounding LIV’s long-term prospects.

In June, the PGA Tour announced a partnership with the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF), which includes LIV as a property. Norman addressed this development, stating that LIV’s position has never been stronger.

Here are the key points:

• Norman affirms his continued role at LIV after the completion of the framework agreement between the PGA Tour and the PIF.
• He confirms that LIV will remain independent, even after the completion of the framework agreement.
• LIV confirms the 2024 schedule, comprising of 14 events, with six held abroad and eight in the United States.
• The league is actively seeking new team owners and players to sustain its growth.

LIV Remains Independent

The framework agreement between the PGA Tour, PIF, and the DP World Tour stipulates that a NewCo board, majority-controlled by the PGA Tour, will oversee LIV. The agreement also entails an evaluation of LIV’s performance to determine its future. PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan will lead the board responsible for shaping LIV’s ongoing plan.

During a Senate subcommittee hearing in July, PGA Tour COO Ron Price indicated that Norman’s position would become redundant if the agreement were finalized.

Norman, however, clarified that LIV is currently operating independently and not constrained by the framework agreement.

Regarding any concerns about his future at LIV, Norman expressed complete confidence, stating that he knew the league’s success would continue regardless of his involvement in the agreement.

He also expressed optimism about LIV’s future, declaring that the league will only continue to progress upward.

Plans for Growth

Norman revealed that LIV is actively seeking additional team owners, with growing interest since the announcement of the framework agreement.

Earlier that day, Bubba Watson, captain of the RangeGoats, disclosed receiving multiple offers to buy his team. He emphasized that the league is now considering these offers after they were previously deemed unlikely.

Currently, team captains own 25% of their franchises, while the remaining 75% is owned by the league. The valuation of these franchises remains undisclosed.

Norman cited a significant increase in interest from individuals looking to invest in golf, indicating a promising commercial future for the sport.

There has been speculation of more PGA Tour players joining LIV, but the outcome remains uncertain due to the ongoing negotiations between the PGA Tour and PIF. Nevertheless, Phil Mickelson confirmed that further player movement is expected during LIV’s offseason.

Despite LIV’s recent setback when its bid for world ranking points was rejected, Norman assured that the league continues to attract interest from potential players.

He attributed this attraction to the concept of franchises, team spirit, and the emphasis on health and wellness.

Claims of a significant player exodus from the PGA Tour to LIV were made last year but failed to materialize. Notable additions to LIV’s roster last offseason included Brendan Steele, Danny Lee, Sebastian Munoz, Mito Pereira, and Thomas Pieters.

The 2024 Schedule

LIV confirmed the previously reported 14-event schedule for 2024, featuring eight events in the United States and six abroad.

The league also announced LIV Golf Promotions, a three-day tournament to be held in December at Abu Dhabi Golf Club. It will offer qualifying players the chance to secure a spot on the league’s 2024 48-man roster.

Players such as Sihwan Kim, Jediah Morgan, James Piot, and Chase Koepka, who finished outside the top 44 in the points standings, are at risk of relegation.

Roster changes will also include player trades and signings, which organizers believe will enhance the overall appeal of the league.

Norman expressed excitement about the upcoming months, which will involve the relegation process, trade negotiations, and team building, all of which he believes will energize LIV Golf.

Further Reading

(Photo: Jamie Sabau / USA Today)