I’d win LIV-PGA debate v Rory McIlroy, Tiger Woods: Greg Norman
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Greg Norman served as LIV Golf’s commissioner and CEO from its inception until he was replaced last week.
PHOTO: USA TODAY SPORTS
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CANBERRA – Greg Norman said he would win a debate with Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods on the topic of how those PGA Tour marquee names benefited financially from the upstart circuit.
Norman served as LIV Golf’s commissioner and chief executive upon its inception before being replaced
Woods publicly called for the 69-year-old Australian to step down from LIV Golf in the interests of mending fences between the breakaway circuit and the PGA Tour.
McIlroy blamed Norman in part for a “civil war” in golf, previously saying that he should “exit stage left” to allow the “adults” to patch up the sport’s schism.
Norman told Australian Golf Digest he would love to have a dialogue with McIlroy and Woods.
He said: “I would love to sit down and talk to them about it, no question about it. Because I’m not a judgmental person and you only learn the facts and truth when you hear the other side of it.
“But, yes, would I like to sit down with them? Sure, absolutely. And you know what? I’d win the debate.”
Norman’s position is that the LIV Golf effect helped lined the pockets of players through the PGA Tour’s Player Impact Programme (PIP), which rewards players who drive engagement with sponsors and fans.
“I would love them to recognise the fact that – like Tiger with his PIP money – that only came because of LIV, right? So Tiger benefited from that. Rory’s definitely benefited from that,” Norman said.
With respect to the apparent bad blood between the parties, the two-time Major champion contended that he has not watched the recently launched Tomorrow Golf League’s opening events.
“I haven’t watched a bit of it because there’s a couple of players who’ve been very vocal against me. So I’m not going to say anything positive or negative about it. All I can say is: The more golf gets exposure in different ways, the better off it is,” Norman said.
Another figure trying to affect change in the sport is world No. 14 Justin Thomas.
He sent a memo to his fellow PGA Tour golfers on Jan 21, imploring them to be more accommodating to the sport’s broadcast partners as a means to connect with the fans and improve television viewership.
In the memo, which was first obtained by The Athletic, recommendations such as pre- and mid-round interviews and wearing microphones while playing can add an engaging element to the television fan.
“I know stepping out of our comfort zones isn’t always easy,” Thomas wrote.
“Believe me, in the past, I’ve been the first to say no before things are even done being asked. I’ve had no interest when someone asks for an interview mid-round or suggest trying something new.
“But I also know how much the fans love those moments – hearing our thought processes, conversations with our caddies, our reactions to shots, and understanding the ups and downs of competing at the highest level.”
The 31-year-old American said research shows that “on-course personality” is the biggest driver of fans aged from 18 to 34.
“Getting the younger-age group interested and watching our sport could be a huge difference in our popularity. They love the opportunity to be able to have that connection to us as fans, and it humanises us,” Thomas wrote.
The two-time Major winner finished his memo with a reminder to keep the fans in mind.
“At the end of the day, we’re all owners in this Tour. So, the bigger and better we make it not only benefits us financially, it benefits our fans and creates the ability for us to do bigger things down the road,” he said.
Meanwhile, world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler and Thomas are among the 16 people who will make up the PGA Tour’s Player Advisory Council (PAC) in 2025, the circuit said on Jan 21.
The PAC advises and consults with the PGA Tour policy board and commissioner Jay Monahan on issues affecting the United States-based circuit and its players.
Scheffler, Thomas, Sam Burns, Brian Harman, Max Homa, Maverick McNealy, Keith Mitchell and Seamus Power are returning to the PAC after serving in 2024.
Gary Woodland, Eric Cole, Trevor Cone and Max McGreevy will serve on the PAC for the first time.
The rest of the PAC is made up of Rickie Fowler, Charley Hoffman, Kevin Kisner and Brandt Snedeker. REUTERS
