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LIV Golf CEO once again opened up in depth about the controversial series. Speaking ahead of LIV Golf’s season-opening event in Mayakoba, Mexico, the Aussie discussed the inception and growth of the series.
Joining economist and author Steve Levitt on his ‘People I (Mostly) Admire’ podcast, Norman discussed all things LIV Golf. Addressing topics ranging from his personal losses to joining the Saudi Arabia-backed league to the PGA Tour, Norman stated that he "100 percent" knew what he was doing in the rebel series.
Comparing his decision to what Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer did in breaking away from the PGA of America, the Aussie claimed that "LIV Golf was the biggest thing to happen to golf in 53 years."
Responding to Levitt’s query on LIV’s impact on the golf world, Greg Norman said that he knew exactly what he was doing. The LIV CEO said:
“Ah, 100 percent. And it (LIV Golf) is the biggest thing to ever happen to the game of golf in over 53 years. And when you think back over time, Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus and a few others broke away from the PGA of America to start the PGA Tour."
He further added:
"Why did they do that? They do it as players, right? For their independent rights — to compete. So, this is no different than what we’re doing today.”
Greg Norman dubs LIV Golf as 'additional competition'
Greg Norman went on to compare the two leagues as a competition and said that LIV was proving “additional pathways for players.”
He added:
“We’re just giving more competition. We’re getting additional pathways for players to go play. They’re independent contractors. We’ve created probably some generational wealth, for some of these players. So, at the end of the day, we just identified virgin space."
Norman continued:
"We are starting a franchise model in golf that’s never ever been thought of before, let alone done. And why has this been possible? If you look across all sports, around the globe sports have become an asset class. And private equity and equity has been invested into many of these sports.”
The Aussie business tycoon went on to add that the tumultuous series was ‘unlocking’ new avenues in the golf market.
He further said:
“We had an investor who wanted to come in and unlock this virgin space. So, it’s the first time in golf that it’s had an injection of close to $2-plus billion committed to it to create this new competition, create this new format, create a new fandom, create new excitement for the people who come to our golf tournaments, and reach down to a new audience.”
It is pertinent to note that Greg Norman’s comments come just days ahead of the new and extended 2023 LIV Golf League's inaugural event.
Furthermore, the comments about the series’ strong vision and growth come just a couple of months after reports of Norman’s possible sacking emerged. However, the Australian seems comfortable with LIV’s leadership at the moment.
