LIV Golf CEO Greg Norman: ‘I appreciate Rory McIlroy falling on his sword’

LIV Golf CEO Greg Norman has responded to Rory McIlroy after the Northern Irishman admitted he was “too judgmental” of players who joined the Saudi-backed tour.

Norman and McIlroy have often traded verbal blows since LIV’s launch in 2022, but the Australian was quick to praise the four-time Major champion for his comments in an in-depth interview with the ‘Stick to Football’ podcast.

McIlroy made headlines across the globe as he also admitted that LIV’s arrival had exposed the PGA Tour’s flaws which has given golf fans hope that the men’s sport may be reunited after almost two years of fighting.

“I was maybe a little judgmental of the guys who went to LIV golf at the start,” he said. “I think it was a bit of a mistake on my part because I now realize that not everyone is in my position or in Tiger Woods’ position.

“I can’t judge people for making that decision, so if I regret anything, it was probably being too judgmental at the start.”

Norman, who played a key role in securing McIlroy’s Ryder Cup teammate Jon Rahm’s move to LIV at the end of 2023, praised the four-time Major champion’s comments on LIV’s Fairway to Heaven podcast.

“Happy new year golf – That’s my reaction,” the Australian said.

“I’ve got to be honest with you – I’m very appreciative of what Rory said. It’s been a painful couple of years. What we have done is been consistent. Our narrative has been consistent. Our delivering mechanism has been consistent.

“The reason I say I appreciate Rory to fall on his sword to some degree is the fact that he did judge us by not knowing the facts. He judged us on other people’s thoughts and opinions.

“We wanted to sit down from day one with them to completely make them understand the value of the LIV footprint, business model and the impact it can make on the game of golf.

“I say ‘hey thank you Rory’. We all knew it was going to work within the golf ecosystem. We all want to be there; we are going to be there – he said that. To me, this is a significant turning point for everybody.”

“In 22 events we have proven to all the Rory Mcllroys of the world that in that short time period, if we can have this much of an impact on the game of golf, imagine what we can do in 53 years like the PGA Tour does.”

“As Rory quite articulately said, what we have is a platform that works. It fits within the ecosystem. I’m not quoting him but I think that’s what he said. We are on the right side of history.

“Our players are on the right side of history. All of us within the LIV worldwide organization are on the right side of history.

“This turning point is the right moment in time for us to go out there and capitalize on it.”

It seems unlikely that McIlroy meant his comments exactly as they’ve been taken by the Great White Shark, but there are signs that everyone involved in the sport is growing tired of the friction.

Phil Mickelson also praised Europe’s Ryder Cup talisman and urged people not to criticize him.

“This quote and the many others made today by Rory probably weren’t easy to say,” Lefty said, referring to McIlroy’s PGA Tour comments. “Let’s not use this as an opportunity to pile on. Rather, It’s time for me and others to let go of our hostilities and work towards a positive future.

“Rahm’s signing is turning into a bridge to bring both sides together, as evidenced by the many comments today and a month ago about changing the rules for the Ryder Cup so Jon and others can play, so let’s use it as such.

“Until an agreement is reached it will be business as usual for both sides but hopefully without the needless disdain.”

PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan has said his goal is to reach an agreement with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) over the proposed merger in 2024 with the original December 31st deadline having come and gone.

About the Author

Rob Jerram – Digital Editor

Rob specializes in the DP World Tour, PGA Tour, LIV Golf, and the Ryder Cup, spending large chunks of his days reading about, writing about, and watching the tours each month.

He’s passionate about the equipment used by professional golfers and is also a font of knowledge when it comes to golf balls, golf trolleys, and golf bags, testing thousands down the years.

Rob uses a Callaway Paradym driver, TaylorMade M5 5-wood, TaylorMade P790 driving iron, Callaway Paradym irons (4-AW), TaylorMade MG3 wedges (52º, 58º), Odyssey Tri-Hot 5k Double Wide putter, and Callaway Chrome Soft X golf ball.

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