Greg Norman: ‘Nothing changes’ for LIV Golf after PGA Tour deal

LIV Golf commissioner and CEO Greg Norman has insisted LIV Golf is ‘full steam ahead’, despite the PGA Tour striking a historic deal.

For the first time, members of the established American circuit will have equity in the company, soon to be known as PGA Tour Enterprises.

The commercial venture comes on the back of a $3 billion investment from the Strategic Sports Group (SSG).

Led by their principal investor Fenway Sports group, SSG’s cash pump is set to value the new-look PGA Tour at around $12 billion.

The news has not worried Norman, though, as the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF) continues to negotiate with LIV’s bitter rival.

In a letter to staff, the Australian stamped his confidence on the future of the startup league, on the eve of its third season.

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“Let me make one thing very clear: nothing announced by other tours or investment groups changes LIV Golf’s positive trajectory or future plans,” he said.

“We started LIV Golf with the goal of creating something new, taking the game to a global, diverse audience and driving innovation while growing golf’s fanbase.

“More investment in golf is a great thing for the game and for us. It’s a positive development for our players, our fans, and for the long-term future of the game.”

Norman furthered his stance on LIV’s importance in the golf landscape, claiming the new deal “would not have happened without the emergence of LIV Golf.”

And with LIV Golf Mayakoba ready to tee off the 2024 season, the 68-year-old warned LIV is ‘full steam ahead’.

“We are moving full steam ahead and expanding on the incredible success we have already achieved in a very short time,” added Norman.

“I have never been more confident in the league, the people involved, and our supporters all over the world.’’

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Jon Rahm, Tyrrell Hatton and Adrian Meronk are among the key signings LIV Golf announced during its off-season.

The European trio will make their hotly anticipated debuts at El Camaleon Golf Course on Friday.

Meanwhile, Bryson DeChambeau has been positive about the new PGA Tour deal, hoping it will mark the start of a new chapter in bringing the forces together.

Ahead of the curtain opener at Mayakoba, he said: “What I can say is that any investment into the game of golf is gigantic, especially on their side.

“You’re just going to see both entities continue to grow, and I hope at some point we’ll come back together. It needs to happen.

“I hope people can just put down their weapons and come to the table and figure it out because that’s what’s good for the game of golf and for fans in general.”

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.