Greg Norman responds to LIV Golf fears as PGA Tour merger hangs in balance

Greg Norman, LIV Golf’s Commissioner, and CEO, has no doubts that the Saudi-backed Tour will survive amid the future merger with the PGA Tour. Norman, 68, a retired former professional golfer, says LIV Golf has a seat at the table of the golf ecosystem.

“Zero, zero,” Norman said on whether he had any concerns about LIV Golf’s future while talking to reporters at LIV’s team championship in Doral. “June 6, I had zero [doubt], and I have zero today. … I knew exactly … the investment into LIV, and the long-term ability of the franchises and the valuation that each one of those franchises [will have] … it was always there. The money was always going to be invested in that and will continue to be invested in that.”

Norman’s own position was questioned at the time of the announcement of the merger in June. However, the Australian says he has paid little to no attention to the chatter. “There’s so much white noise running around out there,” he said.

“I actually paid zero attention to it. I know sitting in this seat today, I know every step I’ve made has been for the right reasons, right reasons for the game of golf.”

Norman believes that the PGA, and other golf Tours, should follow in LIV Golf’s footsteps. The league owns 75% of each team, while franchise captains hold the remaining 25%, and any money the team makes playing is reinvested in the franchise. That reinvestment covers the likes of staffing, travel, or marketing.

“We see what each franchise has in their bank account, and it’s significant because of people coming in, sponsorship and the prize money and all the other stuff that comes in,” Norman said. “I hope [private equity] happens for the PGA Tour as well. That’s the best thing for golf, creating this value chain that’s been sitting idle for 53 years.”

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According to ESPN, the frameworks of the merger agreed on June 6 expire on the last day of 2023, Dec. 31. However, that date can be extended.

“I have my own personal points what it is, but I’m not involved with it. I don’t want to be involved with it,” Norman told reporters on negotiations. “There’s smarter people involved with that than I am. I just hope it does work. I really do. I’ve always been a believer of that.”

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