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Outgoing LIV Golf CEO Greg Norman has claimed that Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods benefitted from the inception of the Saudi-backed circuit.

In conversation with Australian Golf Digest, Norman revealed his desire to sit down with the pair to settle their differences.

But Norman, 69, is firm in his belief that he’d win the debate over how LIV has favoured the PGA Tour pair.

“I would love to,” he said. “I would love them to recognise the fact that – like Tiger with his PIP (Player Impact Program) money – that only came because of LIV, right?

“So, Tiger benefitted from that. Rory’s definitely benefitted from that.

“I would love to sit down and talk to them about it, no question about it. Because I’m not a judgmental person and you only learn the facts and truth when you hear the other side of it.

“And you know what? I’d win the debate.”

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Woods and McIlroy both previously suggested that the Australian should step aside from his role at the LIV helm, after kickstarting the disruptor in 2022.

That was before the duo set up their own innovative league, called TGL.

Despite receiving mixed reviews in its opening two weeks, none of them have come from Norman, who insisted he hasn’t watched a second of it.

“No, I haven’t watched a bit of it because there’s a couple of players who’ve been very vocal against me,” Norman said.

“So, I’m not going to say anything positive or negative about it. All I can say is, the more golf gets exposure in different ways, the better off it is.

“Simulator golf is simulator golf. We had putt-putt and all those miniature golf courses we built around the world. I think innovation is a wonderful thing, I’m not going to belittle that.

“I wish them all the very best and success because it’s the market, right? They’re going to be pulling people into the game of golf.”

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Meanwhile, Norman, who was replaced as CEO by Scott O’Neil last week, who has worked in sports and entertainment management for over 25 years.

But Norman has revealed that he will stay in the mix as a result of his impact on the game.

“Once my official tenure at LIV is up, which is August 31st of this year, I will stay involved with LIV in some way, shape or form,” the Australian added.

“I’m going to stay on the board. So, there will be that part of my life, but it won’t be as consuming as what it was before.

“When I look back on my past three-and-a-half years, from my past 20 years, oh my gosh, I really have changed the game of golf more than what people realise.”

Then, his attention will turn to his golf course design firm, and Norman has huge aspirations.

“I’d like to double the portfolio of golf courses I’ve opened,” he said. “I’ve done 124 now. I’d love to have 250 done in the next whatever number of years.

“So, no retirement. Slow down, yes. But no retirement.”


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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.

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