Saudi-backed LIV Golf set to replace Greg Norman as CEO in major development

LIV Golf has been fronted by Greg Norman since its inception in 2022 (Image: Getty)

Greg Norman, the Australian two-time major championship winner, is reportedly on his way out as CEO of LIV Golf. The Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund (PIF) is said to be actively seeking a replacement for the 69 year old, who has been a prominent figure and ambassador for the controversial breakaway league since its inception in 2022.

Despite this change, Norman will remain within the company, transitioning into a different role once his successor is found, according to Sports Business Journal.

The PIF has enlisted the services of a London-based recruitment agency to find their new CEO. However, they have already faced rejection from Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark.

Greg Norman is set to be replaced as LIV Golf CEO in a massive move from the Saudi Arabia PIF (Image: GETTY)

This hunt for a new CEO coincides with ongoing and lengthy discussions between the PIF and the PGA Tour regarding a potential merger. If successful, this merger would significantly alter the sport's landscape.

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Norman has essentially served as the face of Saudi Arabia's investment in golf, recently discussing his efforts to recruit new players during the off-season using the seemingly limitless resources of the PIF.

However, it appears that he will now step aside as LIV seeks not only a new CEO but also a new chief revenue officer and chief logistics officer. SBJ suggests that Norman enjoys substantial support within the LIV Golf organisation, and this shift should not be seen as a demotion for the man largely credited with much of LIV's success.

Despite Norman garnering support within LIV Golf, he's become a divisive figure across the golfing divide.

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Key PGA Tour figures have made it clear that for any hope of reconciliation, Norman would need to step down from his current position.

Rory McIlroy previously stated: "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 say you've got this thing off the ground but no one's going to talk unless there's an adult in the room that can actually try to mend fences."

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Echoing McIlroy, fellow golf icon Tiger Woods expressed his viewpoint, remarking: "I think Greg has to go, first of all," adding that "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."