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Jon Rahm thinks Greg Norman’s exit as LIV CEO is a positive step as “there was too much bad blood” between him and golf’s power brokers.
Norman is being replaced by Scott O’Neil – a highly-regarded sports and entertainment executive – but will remain at LIV in an ambiguous role.
Speaking after missing the cut here at the Dubai Desert Classic, Rahm backed LIV’s decision for the two-time major champion step aside.
Rahm was bullish about LIV’s future after it’s TV deal with Fox Sports was confirmed, but suggested a peace deal could be accelerated by the Australian’s departure.
“Even though Greg has treated me great, I think having somebody like Scott – who is a little bit outside the world of golf, but very much in the world of sport – makes him kind of a perfect match for the job,” the Spaniard said.
• Patrick Reed opens up on Greg Norman, LIV and PGA Tour future
• LIV Golf star defends controversial signing
“I talked to Scott for some time at a commercial shoot, and based on what I talked to him about and the vision he has, and his enthusiasm, I think he’s going to have a very positive impact for LIV.
“When you add in the TV deal that’s been agreed with Fox, it’s all looking very positive just now, right?
“Even though it’s mainly a U.S. thing to have the largest golf market in the world be able to watch LIV Golf on a channel that should be pretty much every TV in the country, it’s very good.
“Hopefully, we’re looking forward to some years where the LIV product and the relationship with the rest of the game sees a lot of improvement this year.
“As far as the merger talks go, I think, unfortunately, there’s been possibly a little too much bad blood between Greg and the governing bodies.
“And to have somebody outside of that might help the situation.”
• LIV Golf confirms major TV deal
• Rory McIlroy responds to Greg Norman’s LIV exit
In an interview with bunkered.co.uk, Patrick Reed concurred with Rahm on the incoming O’Neil.
“For me it has always great having Greg,” Reed said. “He is a strong personality and I feel like when we started with LIV you needed a strong personality and someone that can take some shots on the chin and he has done that.
“That was always his vision in the beginning, and for him to be able to go and do it has been great.
“I met him for the first time a week and a half ago in Florida and he seems amazing. He’s very enthusiastic and ready to go. His vision is amazing and I feel like he is truly there to see us succeed and figure out a way to make it all work
“This division in golf needs to somehow come together. I’m not saying that everyone needs to merge and be one, but everyone needs to coexist and live together.”
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