Norman's plans discredited by star after confirming talks over new LIV series
Greg Norman has revealed he is in discussions to form a female tour under the LIV Golf brand, having had contact with a number of players on the LPGA and Ladies European Tour.
LIV has undoutedbly rocked the world of golf, since controversially forming last year. The Saudi-funded series has been able to lure in some of the sport's biggest names including Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka and Cameron Smith.
After making its presence known in men's professional golf since its inception 10 months ago, questions have been asked as to whether LIV will branch out into the women's game.
And speaking ahead of this week's LIV event in Adelaide Norman gave an important update. Claiming a number of players across the women's game are keen to get involved, He said: "[A women's tour] is a discussion we have internally on a regular basis.
"I have personally had discussions with individual LPGA Tour players, LET Tour players, Ladies European Tour. They love what our product is showcasing. They ask all the time, 'how can we get involved?' We'd love to see a LIV ladies series."
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Whether these plans get put into place remains to be seen, with the controversial CEO admitting the focus for now remains on the men's circuit, which is only 11 events old. "From our perspective, last year was a beta season," Norman added.
Greg Norman joined LIV Golf as its CEO (Idris Erba/LIV Golf/AP/REX/Shutterstock)"We had eight events. This year was our first season where we're kicking off. We can only drink out of a fire hydrant so much, so we have a lot of opportunities and initiatives coming across our plate. Our focus is to make sure this year we produce what we're producing here from day one.
"Then going forward we're looking what are the best opportunities to build on to what we have today. But the answer to the question is yes, we talk about it [a women's version] internally. I have had discussions with individual lady players, professional players."
But Hall of Fame star and Tour member Karrie Webb has insisted she would not be lured by LIV, insisting: "As a woman, I couldn't do it. I think I’m comfortable enough financially that I couldn’t take that money and go to Saudi Arabia and look any woman in the eye and feel comfortable with myself for doing it.
Karrie Webb in action (Getty)“I worry about this generation of athletes, not just golfers, it is more about the money than anything. I do worry about the LPGA and its place in golf.
"I do worry that if a LIV type Tour were to aggressively pursue women’s golf the way they did men’s golf, the LPGA wouldn’t have that slush fund that we can draw upon to increase our purses overnight and change the way our business is done. That really does concern me.”
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