Aussie Icon Greg Norman Dodges the Cut as LIV Golf Unveils New Leadership Backed by Saudi Funding

The tenure of Australian icon Greg Norman as head of the controversial LIV Golf organisation has officially come to an end.

Scott O’Neil has been officially appointed as the new CEO of the Saudi-backed league, which is set to commence its fourth season next month, while its financial backers are negotiating a potential investment with rival PGA Tour.

O’Neil, who is stepping in for Norman, previously served as the CEO of Merlin Entertainments, overseeing the business operations of over 140 attractions within the company.

LIV Golf has not specified what role Norman will assume moving forward.

“I embarked on this journey more than three decades ago, convinced that the sport of golf and its professional athletes were undervalued, presenting a product that felt stagnant,” Norman stated.

“With LIV Golf, we’ve forever altered the landscape of the game.”

“I’m immensely proud of our achievements and thrilled with the league’s current standing.”

O’Neil was formerly the CEO of Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment, which owns the NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers and the NHL’s New Jersey Devils.

“Scott possesses the passion, determination, and vision to enhance LIV Golf’s reputation as a leading global sports and entertainment entity, and to guide our incredible teams and players for years to come,” commented Yasir Al-Rumayyan, governor of the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia and chairman of LIV Golf.

O’Neil described the chance to lead a sports league as “a dream opportunity.”

“What LIV Golf has accomplished in merely three years is astonishing,” O’Neil remarked.

“The sport has been revitalised with much-needed energy and innovation through our team model; players now enjoy increased freedom and rights, fans have access like never before, and the game has reached new markets longing for elite golf for decades.”

LIV Golf is slated to commence its fourth season on February 6 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The inaugural US event is scheduled for April 4-6 at Trump Doral, just a week before the Masters.

The PGA Tour Enterprises and PIF continue discussions regarding the Saudi sovereign wealth fund potentially becoming a minority investor; however, it remains uncertain how this development would impact both leagues or the future consolidation of golf’s top talent.