23 January 2023 , 11:34
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Greg Norman has labelled Tiger Woods a "mouthpiece" for the PGA Tour, following the American's ongoing criticism of LIV Golf. LIV and the PGA Tour have been embroiled in a feud since the Saudi-backed series' inception last summer.
Woods has been one of LIV Golf's biggest critics since controversially bursting its way onto the scene in 2022. The man in charge of the breakaway circuit, Norman, has often been quick to hit back at the 82-time PGA Tour winner - and as the circuit edges closer to its second season, 2023 has proven no different.
Speaking at the Hero World Challenge in November, tournament host Woods addressed the potential of the PGA Tour and LIV peacefully existing.
The 15-time major champion did admit that LIV is no doubt now a permanent fixture in the professional game, but demanded that Norman stepped aside from his CEO role in order for the rivalling tours to settle their differences. Woods said: "I think (Greg Norman) has to go, first of all.
"Then obviously the litigation against us and then our countersuit against them. Those would then have to be at a stay as well, then we can talk, we can all talk freely.
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Tiger Woods has been a big critic of LIV Golf (Alastair Grant/AP/REX/Shutterstock)“Right now as it is, not right now, not with their leadership, not with Greg there and his animosity towards the tour itself. I don’t see that happening." Following the calls for his sacking, Norman has unsurprisingly hit back, and not for the first time.
The former world No. 1 told Fox News : "He [Woods] doesn't know the facts because, obviously, I'm still here... Just making those comments, I think, is an indication that he might be a bit of a mouthpiece for the PGA Tour to try and do – to get us to create – or get turmoil, create it internally within LIV.
"But it's not happening. We are fully entrenched. We know where we're going. We know what we're doing." Norman's words come after the Saudi-backed circuit finally secured a TV deal for their 2023 season, signing up with American network The CW.
Do you think LIV will settle their differences with the PGA Tour? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section.
Norman described Woods as a "mouthpiece" for the PGA Tour (Getty Images)LIV will be the broadcaster's first sports-based deal, and will cover all 14 of the breakaway circuit's events this year. Describing the deal as a 'momentous day' for the Saudi-funded series, Norman said: "“This is a momentous day for LIV Golf as this partnership is about more than just media rights.
"The CW will provide accessibility for our fans and maximum exposure for our athletes and partners. We’re very proud to note how consequential it is that a league that has only existed for one year has secured a full broadcast deal in its debut full league season."