Greg Norman has stepped down from his role as LIV Golf CEO (Image: Bloomberg Television)
Greg Norman has declared “LONG LIV GOLF” as he makes his exit as CEO of the controversial Saudi-backed golf league.
The 69-year-old has played a pivotal role in enticing elite players such as , and Phil Mickelson away from the to the insurgent circuit since its debut season in 2022. Though stepping down from leadership duties, Norman will remain connected with in an undefined role going forward.
In a heartfelt statement, the Australian champion showed admiration for his replacement, Scott O’Neil, stating: “First and foremost, congratulations to Scott. He is exactly the type of experienced professional who understands the unique and powerful combination of entertainment and sports that LIV Golf exemplifies.
“The league will be in very good hands with him at the helm. I started this journey more than 30 years ago, knowing in my heart and mind that the game of golf and its professional players were undervalued, delivering a product that felt stagnant.”
Norman opened up on his feelings on how the past few years have panned out for LIV Golf, explaining: “With LIV Golf, we changed the game forever. None of this would have been possible without the vision and leadership of LIV’s chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan.
“He always knew what was possible and he never wavered from his belief that golf and the business of golf could be more than it was in the past.”
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Scott O’Neil has succeeded Greg Norman as CEO (Image: LIV Golf)
Norman concluded by expressing immense pride over the rise of LIV Golf and optimistically looks forward to the future, saying: “I couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve accomplished or more pleased with where the league stands today. I’m excited to pass the baton of day-to-day management and continue to help do what I can to grow LIV Golf. LONG LIV GOLF!”
New LIV Golf chief O’Neil is gearing up for an ambitious stint as he takes on the challenge of drawing more top-tier golfers to the series, securing a lucrative television contract, and achieving recognition from the Official World Golf Ranking. Additionally, he is expected to be involved in merger discussions between Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, the financial engine behind LIV, and the PGA Tour.
Yasir Al-Rumayyan, the Chairman of LIV Golf Board, added: “On behalf of the board of directors, we welcome Scott to the LIV Golf family, knowing he will capitalize on everything that has been accomplished over the past three years.
“Scott has the passion, the tenacity, and the vision to continue leveraging LIV Golf’s position as a pre-eminent, global sports and entertainment company and to lead our amazing teams and players for years to come.”
Al-Rumayyan went on to heap praise on Norman for his work in aiding LIV Golf’s rise, saying: “When we launched LIV Golf, there was no one that made more sense to lead the organization other than Greg Norman. I thank him for everything he has done to establish, launch and grow our league. He has been instrumental to LIV’s success.”
He also lauded the remarkable progress made under Norman and outlined his strategy going forward: “There has never been a better time to unlock real financial investment, bring team golf and innovation to the forefront, drastically lower the fan age demographic, and put fan experience and fun at the centre of everything we do. LIV Golf represents the future of the sport and will ensure the future of the golf ecosystem for years to come.”