Greg Norman 'I Don't Mind Being The Villain. I Have Thick Skin'
Golf Asia|April 2023
In a wide-ranging interview, LIV Golf CEO Greg Norman hits back at Tiger and Rory, and reveals why his leadership has the PGA Tour "running scared"
Michael Catling
Greg Norman 'I Don't Mind Being The Villain. I Have Thick Skin'

If Greg Norman is feeling the pressure as the face of LIV Golf, he doesn’t appear to be showing it. A broad grin has already formed less than 30 seconds into our Zoom call as he leans back to survey the view from LIV’s plush offices in West Palm Beach, Florida. “It is pretty damn good, I can tell you that,” he says, before eventually turning his attention to a pile of notes in front of him.

This will be his home for much of this week. He has a three-day summit lined up with the principal players of every franchise team, as well as discussions with his executive team about the structure of the new LIV Golf League.

Ordinarily he would have been at the QBE Shootout, the same tournament he founded and has hosted since 1989. His fingerprints are all over it; except the PGA Tour don’t want him to be there. Not now. And probably not in the future. The 67-year-old Aussie has lost a lot of friends because of his involvement with LIV Golf. He’s also managed to incur the wrath of Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, who have led calls for him to step aside for the good of the game.

The two-time Open champion has stayed relatively silent until now. But in his first big interview since rumours started circulating that former TaylorMade CEO Mark King has been lined up as his successor, Norman insists he is going nowhere.

He also pushed back against “the agenda” being driven by Tiger and Rory, and pulled no punches as he spoke about the weaknesses of the Official World Golf Ranking, how his leadership has Jay Monahan running scared, and why the PGA Tour should be thankful for everything he and LIV have done…

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM GOLF ASIAView all
PLAYING ALONG THE LINES
Golf Asia

PLAYING ALONG THE LINES

ClearPath Alignment now adorns the latest TaylorMade TP5 and TP5x Stripe golf balls.

time-read
1 min  |
November 2024
NG CONTINUES TO BLAZE A TRAIL
Golf Asia

NG CONTINUES TO BLAZE A TRAIL

Sydnie Ng's victory in the Singapore Junior Masters B Division Girls boosts her potential.

time-read
1 min  |
November 2024
DESCENTE ON THE ASCENT
Golf Asia

DESCENTE ON THE ASCENT

Descente and FILA Golf gives the renovated The Shop at Laguna National Golf Resort Club a trendy boost.

time-read
1 min  |
November 2024
DIVINE PLEASURES FOR A CAUSE
Golf Asia

DIVINE PLEASURES FOR A CAUSE

Christian media ministry TWR Asia finds charitable connections through golf.

time-read
1 min  |
November 2024
TO "D" OR NOT TO "D"?
Golf Asia

TO "D" OR NOT TO "D"?

If you chose “D”, you are right and you would be joining millions of people around the world who are choosing “D” as the one necessary supplement they must include in their daily diet.

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2024
QUOTIDIAN LUXURY
Golf Asia

QUOTIDIAN LUXURY

Audi's new Q4 e-tron offers everyday comfort and performance through sustainable rides.

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2024
A RACE LIKE NO OTHER
Golf Asia

A RACE LIKE NO OTHER

Join us as we take a front row seat at Le Mans, one of the greatest races in the world, followed by an exclusive tour of Ferrari's automated factory in Maranello, Italy.

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2024
CELEBRATING THE MODERN WOMAN
Golf Asia

CELEBRATING THE MODERN WOMAN

Patek Philippe's Twenty-4 collection has come a long way since its inception at the turn of the millennium, and this year's anniversary edition is a sign of the times.

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2024
THE PRIVILEGE OF MEMBERSHIP
Golf Asia

THE PRIVILEGE OF MEMBERSHIP

Dragon Golf International offers its members in Singapore with access to top courses around the world. Founder and Managing Director Neil Douglas talks about why it may be the answer to the future of golf travel.

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2024
THE LURE OF THE LAKESIDE
Golf Asia

THE LURE OF THE LAKESIDE

Banyan Group's massive new undertaking in Phuket rides on soaring international demand for homes on the island

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2024