'I Pay Zero Attention To McIlroy And Woods' - Greg Norman
Greg Norman has hit back at Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, after both claimed Norman has to leave his position as CEO of LIV
Greg Norman has hit out at PGA Tour stars Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods, after both made comments about the LIV Golf CEO, telling him he has ‘got to leave’ if both Tours are going to be able to co-exist and ‘talk freely,’ which Woods has said isn’t possible at the moment.
“Not right now. Not with their leadership. Not with Greg there and his animosity towards the Tour itself. I don’t see that happening. As Rory said and I said it as well, Greg’s got to leave.”
Now, in an exclusive interview with Today's Golfer, Norman has issued a response to the pair, advising them both that he isn't going anywhere and will continue to be with the breakaway League for a ‘long period of time’, and he will continue to not listen.
“I pay zero attention to McIlroy and Woods, right?” stated Norman. “They have their agenda for whatever reason. They're saying whatever they want to say. It has no bearing or effect on me. I'm going to be with LIV for a long, long period of time.”
The Aussie’s comments arrived on the back of an onslaught by both players after LIV had managed to persuade several of the PGA Tour’s top stars to jump ship onto the Saudi backed circuit for a slightly quieter schedule and a higher financial package.
It is the way that Norman and his Circuit portray themselves that is the burning issue with current PGA Tour stalwarts, alongside the ongoing court cases which were filed by both sides.
“I see that there's an opportunity out there if both organizations put a stay on their litigation,'' Woods said Tuesday at the Hero World Challenge, where he is the event's host.
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.
“But that's the problem -- they've got to put a stay on it. And whether or not they do that, there's no willingness to negotiate if you have a litigation against you. So if they both have a stay and then have a break and then they can meet and figure something out, then maybe there is something to be had.
"I think Greg has to go, first of all, and then obviously litigation against us and then our countersuit against them, those would then have to be at a stay as well. So then we can talk, we can all talk freely.”
The 15-time major winner’s comments mirrored those of his friend and colleague, Rory McIlroy, who discussed similar feelings during a press conference at the DP World Tour Championship last month.
“I think there's a few things that need to happen, '' said McIlroy. “So there's obviously two lawsuits going on at the minute -- there's PGA Tour versus LIV, and there's this one that's coming up with the DP World Tour in February. Nothing will happen if those two things are still going on, especially -- yeah, you're limited in what you can do.
“And then I think from whatever happens with those two things, there's a few things that I would like to see on the LIV side that needs to happen. I think Greg needs to go. I think he just needs to exit stage left. He's made his mark, but I think now is the right time to sort of say, look, you've got this thing off the ground, but no one is going to talk unless there's an adult in the room that can actually try to mend fences.”
Norman has confirmed that all of his ideas are correct and has backed himself as doing a ‘solid job’ at the helm of LIV Golf. The 67-year-old also believes he can be the one to fix the current turmoil.
“Of course it can happen under my leadership," Norman claimed. "I mean, Tiger might be a messenger, right? Who knows. All I know is we are going to keep doing what we're doing with LIV, and we are just going to keep moving forward."
In fact, the two-time major winner and World Golf Hall of Famer says he is doing a solid job running LIV: “No matter where I go in the world, nobody -- not one person -- has said what I'm doing is stupid or wrong,” explained the Australian.
Looking for the perfect gift for the festive season? Check out the best Christmas Golf Gift Ideas
Cieran joined the Golf Monthly team having previously written for other digital outlets like Reach PLC and Northern Golfer. After studying Journalism at Northumbria University, Cieran went on to complete an MA at the University of Sunderland. A big golf fan, he currently plays at Blyth Golf Club, where he holds a handicap of 8. Citing his favorite golfer as Tiger Woods, Cieran regards himself as the best snap hooker of a ball in the North of England.
-
'Gator Netting Is In Place' - Chevron Championship Venue Prepared For 'Safe' Winner's Jump
A tradition which began at the tournament's previous home could continue this year - if the champion is feeling brave enough...
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
New Balance 997 SL Golf Shoe Review
New Balance produce some extremely stylish footwear and, in this review, Matt Cradock takes their spikeless 997 SL onto the course
By Matt Cradock Published
-
RBC Heritage Prize Money Payout 2024
Hot on the heels of The Masters comes the latest signature event on the PGA Tour, this time from Harbour Town in South Carolina
By Mike Hall Published
-
'I Will Play The PGA Tour For The Rest Of My Career' - Rory McIlroy Emphatically Shuts Down $850m LIV Golf Report
The four-time Major winner has told the Golf Channel he has no intention of making the leap from the PGA Tour to LIV Golf
By Mike Hall Published
-
Rory McIlroy’s Manager Responds To $850m LIV Golf Report
Sean O'Flaherty has described a report linking his client with a big-money move to LIV Golf as "fake news"
By Mike Hall Published
-
Tiger Woods Finishes Last At 2024 Masters Following Highest Total Score Of Pro Career
Woods putted out for a final round 77 at Augusta to finish on +16, but the veteran still vowed to play the rest of the year's Majors
By James Nursey Published
-
What Would A 15-Handicapper Shoot Around Augusta? Rory McIlroy Gave This Brutal Response...
McIlroy's search for an elusive Grand Slam with a Masters victory continues but he gave short shrift to any idea amateurs could handle Augusta
By James Nursey Published
-
‘My Swing Felt Horrific’ - Rory McIlroy Last Man On Driving Range After Sliding Down Masters Leaderboard
Rory McIlroy fell from contention after a disappointing second round in windy conditions at Augusta National
By Ben Fleming Published
-
Tiger Woods Impresses On Masters Day One With 23 Holes To Play On Friday
Woods played 13 holes in one-under-par on Thursday afternoon before play was called due to darkness
By Elliott Heath Last updated
-
Why Is Tiger Woods Not Wearing Nike At The Masters?
At the start of 2024 Tiger Woods revealed he wouldn't be wearing Nike anymore, but why is that? We explain all here.
By Sam Tremlett Published