Greg Norman has ‘8 to 12’ players keen to discuss LIV Golf move

LIV Golf CEO Greg Norman has admitted that his phone has been ‘blowing up’ since Jon Rahm moved to the Saudi-backed circuit.

The deal, worth over $400 million, is hoped to convince more top-tier players to make the switch, as Norman reckons it will turn the tide.

Speaking to ESPN, Norman said he’s been ‘inundated’ by calls.

“I think word is getting out there amongst all the players around the world, even the top players, the best players in the world. And obviously, Jon is an incredible addition to us.

“I’ll be honest, since Jon signed, I know he’s been inundated by players saying, ‘I want to play on your team, Jon. How do I get on that?’

“And I have been inundated and my other team members, too.

• PGA Tour winners glad ‘rushed’ TGL is delayed

• Tony Finau denies reports that he joining LIV Golf

“I can tell you, hand on my heart, between eight and 12 guys for about two or three spots and maybe two spots, to be honest with you.”

Despite already boasting major winners in Cam Smith and Brooks Koepka, the Spaniard is undoubtedly LIV’s biggest coup.

While Rahm never publicly blasted the startup league, the reigning Masters champion was critical of its format.

And Talor Gooch, who recently signed for Koepka’s Smash GC, claims LIV is holding discussions based on Rahm’s advice.

His eye-opening move comes as the PGA Tour and the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF) continue to work on their proposed agreement.

The deadline for the new commercial entity is December 31, with that target looking unlikely to be met.

• 8 notables after a PGA Tour card at Q-School

• PGA Tour pros submit lawyer’s letter to Policy Board

Norman has backed his product, though, and told ESPN that the league would continue as a “standalone entity,” regardless of what happens.

“I’m not involved with that framework agreement at all,” he explained.

“I’m over here looking after LIV and running LIV, but it’s great to see private equity coming into the game of golf and investing in the game of golf.

“I’m all about the players being able to earn more money and go where they need to go to earn more money or even stay somewhere to earn more money, and you’re seeing that now.

“So, I do hope that some agreement in some way, shape or form comes about, about private equity investing into golf. We’ve got it. Hopefully, it takes place in other institutions as well.”

LIV Golf’s 2024 season will get underway at Mayakoba in Mexico from February 2-4.

John Turnbull A graduate of the University of Stirling, John joined the bunkered team in 2023 as a Content Producer, with a responsibility for covering all breaking news, tour news, grassroots content and much more besides. A keen golfer, he plays the majority of his golf at Falkirk Golf Club. Top of his 'bucket list' is a round of Pebble Beach... ideally in the company of Gareth Bale.