Greg Norman hits back at Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods after LIV Golf sack with bombshell claim
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Former LIV Golf CEO Greg Norman has issued a bold challenge to Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, claiming he would "win the debate" in any discussion about the Saudi-backed tour's impact on professional golf.
Norman expressed his desire to engage with the PGA Tour stars in an interview with Australian Golf Digest published today.
"I would love to sit down and talk to them about it, no question about it," Norman said.
"Because I'm not a judgmental person and you only learn the facts and truth when you hear the other side of it."
Greg Norman has hit back at Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy
Reuters/PA
The challenge comes just weeks after Norman was replaced as LIV Golf's commissioner by Scott O'Neil.
Norman specifically pointed to the PGA Tour's Player Impact Program (PIP) as evidence of LIV Golf's influence on his rivals' earnings.
"I would love them to recognise the fact that – like Tiger with his PIP money – that only came because of LIV, right?" Norman told Australian Golf Digest.
"So Tiger benefitted from that. Rory's definitely benefitted from that," he added.
The comments mark a shift from previous tensions, where Norman had called McIlroy "brainwashed by the PGA Tour" in 2022.
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McIlroy had previously suggested Norman should "exit stage left" to allow "adults" to resolve golf's divisions.
Norman revealed he has not watched any of Woods and McIlroy's new TGL simulator league, citing their criticism of him as the reason.
"I haven't watched a bit of it because there's a couple of players who've been very vocal against me," Norman said.
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Rory McIlroy has been a long-time critic of LIV Golf
Reuters
However, he maintained a diplomatic stance on golf innovation.
"All I can say is: the more golf gets exposure in different ways, the better off it is," he added.
"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."
Norman, who turns 70 next month, reflected confidently on his tenure at LIV Golf.
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Greg Norman has been replaced in his role as LIV Golf's commissioner
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"When I look back on my past three-and-a-half years -- from my past 20 years -- oh my gosh," Norman said. "I really have changed the game of golf more than what people realize."
The Australian confirmed his current contract with LIV ends on August 31.
Despite stepping down as CEO, Norman plans to maintain his connection with the organisation.
O'Neil, his successor, praised Norman as being "instrumental" to the new tour's success.
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