The first stage in a proposal to start a golf league that will give rich opportunities for players while potentially causing conflict with the PGA Tour was Greg Norman handing up day-to-day control of his golf company and being named CEO of LIV Golf Investments.
Norman stated that he will be the commissioner of the unnamed league, but first teased that the new business would invest $200 million in the Asian Tour.
LIV Golf said last week that two high-profile names in the industry had joined the endeavor. Commissioner Jay Monahan’s key adviser, Cross used to work for Augusta National and the PGA Tour. Sean Bratches is a marketing professional who previously worked for ESPN and Formula One. Both lend the investment firm considerable credibility.
But it will be the naming – or signing – of players that will have the most impact. That hasn’t happened yet, but it will be a critical stage in the process.
There have been numerous players whose names have been rumored, but nothing has been confirmed as of yet. And it will be the determining factor in where this goes.
However, keep in mind that Norman is supported by the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund, so he doesn’t have to hurry. It’s improbable that his team will fill out a limited-field event roster with only the best players. It appears that this will take some time.
This plan or the other hypothetical league, the Premier Golf League would never be able to attract all of the top players. It does, however, require at least a dozen. It’s possible that others will see the advantages or drawbacks of joining.
