Greg Norman says he expects to be replaced as general manager of LIV Golf.
THE The New York Times reported in November, LIV Golf is set to name Scott O’Neil, former general manager of the Philadelphia 76ers basketball team, as its new CEO.
Norman, 69, has been chief executive of the Saudi-backed company since October 2021.
The two-time Open winner told Indiana station WISH-TV, which broadcasts LIV golf tournaments in the United States, that he was “OK” with the change.
“Is there going to be a new CEO? Yes. There will be a new CEO,” Norman said.
Since its inaugural season in 2022, some of the world’s best golfers have joined LIV Golf, funded by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF).
After taking a firm stance against the separatist circuit, the PGA Tour and the DP World Tour, based in Europe, announced in June 2023 a “framework agreement” in favor of a merger with PIF, although no agreement has yet been reached.
“I’ve seen it (LIV Golf) grow from a business model on paper to being born on the golf course to what it is today,” Norman added.
“Will I still have a place and be involved in LIV in some capacity? Yes. I will always have that.
“Because of the impact LIV created on golf, I had a very small part of it, which I am proud of.”
Norman has been criticized for his role in the formation of LIV Golf, notably from four-time Northern Ireland major winner Rory McIlroy.
He asked Norman to “stage exit on the left” in 2022, when creating the tour, saying “no one will speak unless there is an adult in the room”.
McIlroy is a member of the PGA Tour transactions committeewhich monitors the long negotiations between the American company PGA and PIF.
