LIV Golf CEO Greg Norman On Wednesday, he admitted that the rival Saudi-backed tour had not offered a lucrative contract for Rory McIlroy, one of the PGA Tour’s biggest stars, but he did not rule out the idea either.
At Wednesday’s press conference ahead of LIV Adelaide in Australia, Norman was asked about reports that McIlroy was offered around $850 million along with a 2% stake in the organization to join LIV.
Rory McIlroy stands on the fifth tee during the second round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 12, 2024 in Augusta, Georgia. (Andrew Reddington/Getty Images)
However, Norman joined the original group. pga tour Jon Rahm denied the reports.
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“LIV never made him an offer,” he said. “This is typical white noise that occurs in the industry.”
“If Rory is willing to sit down and talk to us, are we willing to sit down with him? 100%, no different than any other player who is interested in playing with us. not.”
McIlroy also denied the report in a report last week. 2024 RBC Heritage, The statement came just days before it was revealed he would be returning to the PGA Tour’s policy committee, which he abruptly resigned from last November.
Rory McIlroy hits his tee shot on the third hole during the final round of the RBC Heritage at Havertown Golf Links on April 21, 2024 in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. (Andrew Reddington/Getty Images)
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“I think I’ve made it very clear over the last two years that I don’t think it’s irrelevant to me. That doesn’t mean I’m criticizing the guys who went over there and played,” he said at the time. Told.
“I think one of the things I’ve realized over the last two years is that people can decide for themselves what they think is best for them, and who are we to judge that? , for me personally, the future is here on the PGA Tour, and that hasn’t changed.”
McIlroy’s softening of his stance on rival tours comes as the PGA Tour continues to discuss potential partnerships with the DP World Tour and LIV.
Greg Norman on day two of the LIV Golf Invitational – Jeddah held at Royal Greens Golf & Country Club in Saudi Arabia on March 2, 2024. (François Nel/Getty Images)
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Norman expressed his confidence in LIV on Wednesday and, like McIlroy, expressed that there were no hard feelings between the two tours.
“It’s about understanding the facts about what LIV stands for and what LIV can offer on a global scale. It’s up to you to decide. I was at the home of a top, top PGA Tour player. I sat down with another member of my team and he watched the whole process and he was so impressed – ‘Well, that’s not what was said in the locker room. This is really impressive. ” he said. But he made a decision. Two days later he called me and said, “I’ve decided to stay where I am.” I said, “Have a happy day. If you’re happy here, fine, if you want to come back and talk to us, you can always do that.” ”
