Greg Norman 'Extremely Proud' Of LIV Golf Adelaide And Says Event's Success Makes 'The Hatred' He Has Faced Worthwhile
LIV Golf's CEO also admitted he was keen to bring the breakaway circuit "home" to reward the Australian public for their support of him as a player
LIV CEO Greg Norman admitted he was "feeling extremely proud" in the aftermath of LIV Golf Adelaide on Sunday and said the success of this one event alone made all of "the hatred" he has received since the circuit's inception worthwhile.
Over 100,000 fans were reportedly at the only Australian stop in LIV's season, raucously backing Cameron Smith's quartet to team-format victory in a playoff over the South African side - Stinger GC - at The Grange.
And speaking exclusively to Australian Golf Digest after a thrilling end to one of the most highly-anticipated tournaments of the year, Norman insisted the messages of hate that have been directed his way since 2022 were put into perspective by a second stellar event in Australia for LIV.
“Vindication is not the right word,” Norman told Australian Golf Digest before pausing.
“It’s the ignorance of others who simply didn’t understand what we were trying to do. I actually feel sorry for them because they now see the true value of LIV Golf and want to be a part of it."
Going on to give a hearty nod to the Australian public for their backing - not only of him during his playing days, but also to LIV - Norman continued: “The support Australia gave me during my own playing career for decades was something I have never forgotten, it’s why I brought LIV Golf back home – I did it for them.
"The people have well and truly spoken. Both individual and team golf is alive and well in Australia and they deserve it. I knew they would support this event.
Get the Golf Monthly Newsletter
Subscribe to the Golf Monthly newsletter to stay up to date with all the latest tour news, equipment news, reviews, head-to-heads and buyer’s guides from our team of experienced experts.
“I’m feeling extremely proud right now. With what we’ve (LIV Golf) gone through over the past 16 months, both as a league and what I’ve copped personally… the hatred… this makes it all worthwhile.”
Meanwhile, USA's Brendan Steele captured the individual title in Adelaide to help Phil Mickelson's HyFlyers GC to their first-ever LIV victory in either format.
It was a frustrating day for Stinger GC skipper Louis Oosthuizen, though, after he finished solo second by a shot and later fell to Smith and Marc Leishman - alongside Dean Burmester - on the second go down the par-4 18th.
There has been recent talk - not least by Smith and his Ripper GC teammates - about venturing into different countries to continue LIV's growth, one of which could be South Africa.
Should that occur, Oosthuizen and Burmester - along with Charl Schwartzel and Branden Grace - could be given the opportunity to exert some kind of revenge. And LIV's CEO did not rule the move out.
On Oosthuizen and Burmester, Norman said: “You sensed when they missed their opportunities on that first playoff hole that perhaps their fate was sealed there and then, but I thought they were so gracious in defeat.
“They are exceptional players and exceptional people who all believe in what LIV Golf is all about. I’m hopeful their time will come to return the favour on home soil.”
Jonny Leighfield is our Staff News Writer who joined Golf Monthly just in time for the 2023 Solheim Cup and Ryder Cup. He graduated from the University of Brighton with a degree in Sport Journalism in 2017 and spent almost five years as the sole sports reporter at his local newspaper. An improving golfer who still classes himself as ‘one of the worst players on the Golf Monthly team’, Jonny enjoys playing as much as he can and is hoping to reach his Handicap goal of 18 at some stage. He attended both the 150th and 151st Opens and is keen to make it an annual pilgrimage.
-
Chris Gotterup Cruises To Maiden PGA Tour Title At Myrtle Beach Classic
In his 27th PGA Tour start, the American picked up his first title on the circuit, as he produced a fine display at The Dunes Golf and Beach Club
By Matt Cradock Published
-
Rose Zhang Claims Cognizant Founders Cup In Thrilling Two-Horse Race
Both Zhang and Madelene Sagstrom finished over 12 shots ahead of the field, with the American Solheim Cup star edging out her opponent in a dramatic final day
By Matt Cradock Published
-
'I Wouldn't Have Said That A Year Ago But It Is The Better End Of The Bargain' - Brandel Chamblee Says PGA Tour Has To Do PIF Deal
Golf Channel analyst Brandel Chamblee admits that doing a deal with the Saudi PIF is the best move for the PGA tour to make
By Paul Higham Published
-
The Two Caddies Who Have Already Earned Over $1 Million In 2024
A pair of loopers who work alongside the very best in the world have already banked seven figures before the second men's Major of the season...
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
'What Rollback?' - Anthony Kim Reminds Fans Just How Long He Was Away But Shares 'Burning Desire' To Make Top-Level Return
The three-time PGA Tour winner came back to pro golf via the LIV Golf League this season after almost 12 years away - and Kim wants to rediscover his peak powers
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
LIV Golf Mid-Season Transfer Window: Everything You Need To Know
LIV Golf's first-ever mid-season transfer window is officially open - here's everything you need to know about it
By Mike Hall Published
-
Talor Gooch One Of Two LIV Golfers Given Special Invite To PGA Championship
The 2023 individual champion will tee it up alongside David Puig at the Major, two months after Joaquin Niemann confirmed he would also appear after receiving a special invite
By Mike Hall Published
-
LIV Golf Appoints Pepsi Senior Executive As Chief Marketing Officer
Former PepsiCo senior executive Adam Harter has been appointed LIV Golf’s new Chief Marketing Officer
By Mike Hall Published
-
Greg Norman Insists LIV Golf Will Still Be In Operation After Prospective PGA Tour Deal And 'Well Past' Death Of 'Young' Yasir Al-Rumayyan
The LIV Golf CEO was discussing the circuit's future amid a potential deal between its backers - the Saudi PIF - and the PGA Tour, in an exclusive interview with Bloomberg
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
5 Talking Points You Might Have Missed From The Final Round Of LIV Golf Singapore
Brooks Koepka just about held off Cameron Smith and Marc Leishman to land his fourth LIV Golf Individual title - but what else happened on Sunday at Sentosa Golf Club?...
By Jonny Leighfield Published