Greg Norman spoke to the media at the QBE Shootout on Thursday, where he is the host of the Challenge Season tournament, which is co-sanctioned by the PGA Tour, as well as the CEO of an investment company that is purportedly sponsoring a prospective alternative circuit.
The internet at Tiburón Golf Club fell down soon before Norman’s press conference, according to Tour officials, and those waiting in the virtual meeting room to ask questions were denied admission. Norman was asked two questions concerning his fund, LIV Golf Investments, which is financing the proposed alternative tour.
LIV Golf announced the hire of a chief operating officer earlier Thursday, and Norman was queried about his growing management staff.
He explained, “It’s a commitment by them, believing in the product, believing in the business strategy, and believing in the athletes.”
Norman was also questioned about his continued support for the rival league and LIV Golf, which is financed in part by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, but it was a parting remark that caught the most attention.
“I believe it’s terrific that the players will have the ability to go on both tours as independent contractors,” he remarked.
Despite numerous rumors explaining the new tour and how it intends to entice the game’s elite players, neither LIV Golf nor any players have publicly stated their intention to play the new circuit.
