Jon Rahm gets last laugh over Greg Norman with LIV Golf CEO set to be ‘replaced’
Greg Norman has served as CEO of LIV Golf since its inception two years ago.
Jon Rahm once hinted that LIV Golf CEO Greg Norman might need to step down for the sport to achieve harmony, and now there are reports suggesting this could become a reality.
On Tuesday, it emerged from Sports Business Journal that the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF), which backs LIV Golf, is on the lookout for a new CEO to possibly succeed Norman. Having been at the forefront since its inception two years ago, Norman is tipped to assume a new position within the enterprise.
Despite shaping LIV as a formidable rival to the PGA Tour across three seasons, his involvement has not been without discord, casting him as a contentious figure in golf.
Before switching to the Saudi-financed circuit after sealing a staggering $600 million deal last December, Rahm commented on Norman’s role, suggesting that Norman’s departure might be key to mending fences with the PGA Tour.
Back in November 2022, Rahm shared his thoughts, remarking, “I think Greg has had a vendetta against the PGA Tour for a long time. And when you have an ulterior motive, it can cloud your judgment a little bit. Greg is a player, not a businessman, even if he has been successful in that area. To me, he has an ulterior motive beyond just creating a golf tour. He’s had this vengeance for 30 years.”
The Spanish golf star raised concerns about the leadership dynamics, stating: “His intentions might not be as pure as they could, which is a problem. So he might not be the best person for the job, even if he has done great things for the tour.
“I do believe that, for conversations to take place, Greg might need to be gone. Right now, it doesn’t seem like he and Jay [Monahan, PGA Tour Commissioner] will want to be in the same room together.”