Greg Norman has celebrated three years as LIV Golf CEO, and couldn’t resist sending a not-so-subtle message to his rivals over at the PGA Tour with a promise over the Saudi-funded league
Greg Norman celebrated three years as LIV CEO on Instagram (
Image: Getty)
LIV Golf CEO Greg Norman released a statement to celebrate three years as a league commissioner, listing his achievements with the alternate golf league while vowing the league is here to stay.
Norman delivered the message on Instagram with a lengthy post, celebrating his achievements during his tenure. He wrote, “Today I celebrate three incredible years as CEO and Commissioner of our LIV Golf League. We have come so far in such a short time period, managing all sorts of hostile headwinds, hurdles and untruths that I marvel at what we have accomplished to date: – Players are now earning more money Today than ever before.”
Under the leadership of Norman, he shared that LIV Golf has increased player earnings, suggesting higher prize money and more lucrative contracts for golfers in the future. The Saudi-backed brand dished out a contract worth $390 million to Master champion Jon Rahm, who had a change of heart with the league and earned a reported $300 million of the money upfront.
Norman also shared that LIV prioritizes the health of its players now more than ever, making it “the best ever in golf history.” Their official policy statement was updated on August 7, stating that any LIV golf tournament participant has been arranged medical assistance from a licensed physician who can provide medical care for its golfers.
Another point of emphasis was Norman’s plan to develop the LIV tournament structure to include more untapped markets with the backing of his superiors. The league expanded its presence in Asia with a tournament in Hong Kong from March 8-10 and opened up its season in Mexico at El Camalen Golf Course in Mayakoba.
Norman was sure to thank his boss at LIV in the post for allowing him to take risks and “achieve a lifelong vision” for the sport. “Finally to my boss, I want to thank him for his vision, his genius in identifying virgin space, his patience, his support, and for knowing the franchise model works,” he wrote.
Greg Norman listed LIV’s improvements in his post ( Getty)
“Today, we are underway, and in just 34 events, our Teams continue to grow, proving there is room for competition in our sport. LIV Golf belongs, and LIV Golf is here to stay.”
Although Norman listed the strides that the company is making, it continues to be criticized for being part of a broader strategy of sports washing by Saudi Arabia, although to a lesser degree than when it started. LIV Golfers also still need to receive Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points due to their format of playing fewer holes than the PGA Tour across fewer days.
According to Neilsen, the final round of LIV’s opening event at Mayakoba earned 432,000 viewers, which was highlighted as a best for their TV ratings. But the PGA’s AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, which was on simultaneously, drew 1.951 million, leaving room to go before catching its competition.
