Greg Norman, CEO of LIV Golf, has been an intriguing determine for the reason that battle started between LIV Golf and the PGA Tour. The 69-year-old former golf star mentioned the golf scene in an interview with Bloomberg, particularly addressing the primary golfers to affix LIV Golf. It seems that these early adopters of LIV Golf confronted essentially the most criticism.
Followers of the PGA Tour had been significantly harsh, utilizing each alternative to criticize their selections. Norman has nothing however reward for these golfers who, regardless of the pressures and scrutiny, selected to embark on a brand new mission and change into a part of LIV Golf. Norman is not proud of the criticism and negativity that got here from all sides throughout that point.
“I praise the boys who got here on – the primary movers. They got here on with an enormous quantity of headwinds. The vitriol and the hatred was simply disgusting, to be trustworthy with you.”-Greg Norman stated.
A lot of skilled gamers, in addition to golf stars, determined to affix LIV Golf regardless of figuring out what reactions would comply with. LIV Golf emerged as a brand new mission within the golf scene, supported by Saudi Arabia. Given the less-than-favorable historical past of relations between Saudi Arabia and the USA, most had been annoyed by these developments within the golf world. LIV Golf has had immense monetary energy from the beginning, enabling them to recruit among the finest golfers. Some could not be purchased with cash, prioritizing loyalty and status above all else.
“Contemplating what these guys have accomplished within the sport of golf, how they’ve carried the sport of golf, and the establishments they represented, [it] was disgusting,” -Norman advised Bloomberg.
Phil Mickelson on LIV Golf vs PGA Tour
Phil Mickelson, a outstanding determine on the planet of golf, has additionally chosen the identical path as lots of his colleagues. Given his significance and standing within the golf world, followers had sturdy phrases for Mickelson. His statements criticizing the PGA Tour had a huge effect, making Mickelson one of the vital controversial figures amongst golfers.
Mickelson, nonetheless, believes that the occasions of earlier years needs to be forgotten and that the main focus needs to be on the longer term. Mickelson bases his opinion on the present state of affairs within the golf world, the place many followers are discontented.
“I must let that stuff go. I must let go of all of the experiences I’ve had previously that had been lower than constructive. I must let go of my hostilities and all of us do for the good thing about the sport.”-Mickelson advised Bloomberg.
In Could of this yr, Norman additionally addressed feedback in an interview with Bloomberg stating that LIV Golf has poor scores and that many aren’t tuning in to look at. Norman disagrees with such rumors and opinions, citing the trendy period and what it brings with it. Though the intention of LIV Golf’s executives is to draw younger folks to comply with this sport, the query stays how profitable they are going to be, particularly at a time when youthful generations are more and more much less thinking about sports activities, together with golf.
LIV Golf has the proper folks, who’re doing a great job to this point. Norman hopes they will proceed on the similar tempo sooner or later.
“What’s the definition of tuning in? To an 18-year-old, to a 25-year-old, tuning in could also be 12 seconds on the telephone. ‘Let me see this, then we’ll return and do this, after which I’ll come again over right here and do one other 14 seconds on this.’
That to me is tuning in. That to me is a market that’s enormously rich, proper? And enormously influential within the route the place we’re going.”
PGA Tour and LIV Golf merger
Discussions between LIV Golfers and PGA Tour gamers have been happening for a very long time. It should be admitted that, however, tensions are much less and fewer currently. It appears as if the PGA Tour stars have accepted their destiny, figuring out that the PGA Tour and LIV Golf can’t perform as separate entities.
The attitudes of Rory McIlroy, Tiger Woods and others have modified quite a bit currently, conscious that battle and chaos do nobody any good. Merger is without doubt one of the choices, however the query is whether or not it is going to change into a actuality.
Negotiations have been happening for a very long time. For a yr, each side have been looking for an answer and attain a ultimate settlement, however with out success. The query is what we are able to count on within the coming interval.
Will probably be fascinating to comply with the occasions on the golf scene within the coming interval. Norman will stay an necessary determine within the subsequent interval as nicely.