Greg Norman talks up possibility of LIV Golf event in Ireland

Greg Norman will not rule out staging a LIV Golf event in Ireland as he explores new destinations across the globe for the Saudi-backed circuit.

LIV has so far held events in countries including England, Mexico and Thailand since its disruptive launch in 2022, while last month’s event in Australia was seen as the most successful so far.

And the tour’s CEO and commissioner Norman has revealed that he is now open to the possibility of bringing LIV to Ireland in the coming years.

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Speaking to BBC Sport NI, Norman said: “Our calendar and the opportunity within our calendar on a global basis is filling up very quickly. We’re looking at 2025, 2026, 2027 and 2028 now.

“The popularity and success have spoken for itself so yes, countries like Ireland who are passionate golf countries, passionate destination countries, not only for Americans but for Europeans to go play there.

“I’ve built golf courses there which I’m very proud of, so from my perspective, we’re going to keep all options open.”

Former US president Donald Trump’s son Eric first sparked rumours of LIV heading to Ireland when he told the Irish Times during his father’s recent visit to the resort that there were talks to host an event at Trump Doonbeg in Co Clare, a links course designed by Norman.

And Northern Irishman Graeme McDowell is excited about the future prospects of playing in a LIV event so close to home.

“First of all the market has to want it, the fans have to want it,” McDowell said.

“This is a truly global tour and we can take these events anywhere in the world. We’ve got 17 or 18 different nationalities represented out here on LIV from 48 players, which is pretty amazing.

“I think there’s the opportunity to play anywhere in the world. Would I love to play a LIV event in Ireland? Of course I would, but I feel like there are a lot of things that have to happen between now and then.”

Ben Parsons joined bunkered as a Content Producer in 2023 and is the man to come to for all of the latest news, across both the professional and amateur games. Formerly of The Mirror and Press Association, he is a member at Halifax Golf Club and is a long-suffering fan of both Manchester United and the Wales rugby team.