During the PGA Tour’s ongoing battle with LIV Golf, notable golf pros Greg Norman and Tiger Woods have publicly shared their very differing opinions of the situation. Once again, their firery ‘war of worlds’ has been reignited.
With no holds barred, golfer Greg Norman has labelled Tiger Woods a “mouthpiece” for the PGA Tour, following the 15-time major champion’s ongoing criticism of LIV Golf. This feud between the two organizations has been ongoing ever since the the inception of the Saudi-backed series last summer.
Former World No. 1 Woods has been one of LIV Golf’s biggest critics from its very beginning, in 2022. Wasting no time coming to its defense, Norman has offered speedy commentary, biting back at the 82-time PGA Tour winner. With the onset of LIV Golf’s 2023 season, Norman has not let up in vocalizing his opinions.
Surprising many golf fans during the Hero World Challenge, Woods spoke about the possibility of the PGA Tour and LIV co-existing in peace. However, Woods did admit that LIV is no doubt now a permanent fixture in the professional game. He also demanded that that Norman step down from his role as CEO of LIV Golf, stating that in doing so the rivalling tours would be able to better settle their differences.
The 15-time major champion did admit that LIV is no doubt now a permanent fixture in the professional game, but demanded that Norman stepped aside from his CEO role in order for the rivaling tours to settle their differences. Woods said: “I think (Greg Norman) has to go, first of all.”
Woods continued, “Then obviously the litigation against us and then our countersuit against them. Those would then have to be at a stay as well, then we can talk, we can all talk freely.”
“Right now as it is, not right now, not with their leadership, not with Greg there and his animosity towards the tour itself. I don’t see that happening.” Following the calls for his sacking, Norman has unsurprisingly hit back, and not for the first time.
Speaking to Fox News Norman said: “He [Woods] doesn’t know the facts because, obviously, I’m still here… Just making those comments, I think, is an indication that he might be a bit of a mouthpiece for the PGA Tour to try and do – to get us to create – or get turmoil, create it internally within LIV.”
Norman added, “But it’s not happening. We are fully entrenched. We know where we’re going. We know what we’re doing.” Norman’s words come after the Saudi-backed circuit finally secured a TV deal for their 2023 season, signing up with American network The CW.
This year, LIV will be the broadcaster’s first sports-based deal, and will cover all 14 of the breakaway circuit’s events. Norman described this deal as a ‘momentous day’ for the Saudi-funded series.” “This is a momentous day for LIV Golf as this partnership is about more than just media rights.
“The CW will provide accessibility for our fans and maximum exposure for our athletes and partners. We’re very proud to note how consequential it is that a league that has only existed for one year has secured a full broadcast deal in its debut full league season.”
