26 June 2023 , 12:21
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Greg Norman has confirmed that LIV Golf will continue to run its own schedule in 2024, despite the agreement put in place between the PGA Tour and the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia (PIF).
Following the news that the PGA Tour had struck a deal with PIF, that will see the Tour work alongside LIV Golf and the DP World Tour, the breakaway circuit's CEO Norman has remained relatively quiet on the matter. The Australian's silence had been a cause for concern for some LIV fans, with the future of the breakaway circuit uncertain following the proposed merger.
In an email sent to staff obtained by the Washington Post though, it appears Norman has reassured his team that it will be business as usual for LIV Golf next year, with the 2024 schedule currently being put together.
The email read: "As we look ahead to the second half of this season and into 2024, especially with legal disputes behind us, I could not be more optimistic about the opportunities ahead... Our 2024 schedule is nearing completion, which will feature world-class venues both familiar and new, continuing to bring out the very best in our players."
Despite being the man in charge of the breakaway league, it appears he was left out of negotiations with the PGA Tour. PIF governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan broke the news in an interview with CNBC, and admitted he only informed the former world No. 1 on the deal just moments before revealing it to the world.
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Greg Norman has remained quiet following the merger announcement (AP)Amid the interview with Al-Rumayyan and statements from PGA Tour and DP World Tour bosses Jay Monahan and Keith Pelley, no official note came from LIV or Norman. The Australian eventually took to social media to break his silence, hailing the deal a 'great day' for professional golf.
The 68-year-old CEO tweeted: "A great day in global golf for players and fans alike. The journey continues!!" It still remains to be seen what this journey entails, with the details on the future plans of golf's joint entity yet to be officially laid out by the powers that be.
This has been criticised by a number of the sport's big players, who appeared to have been left out of the loop when it comes to the agreement. One of the many PGA Tour stars to allude to this at last week's Travelers Championship, including chairman of the Player Advisory Council, Adam Scott.
Scott admitted: "You can’t help but feel left in the dark even though I don’t expect to run the PGA Tour and them to run everything by me. It was just sooner than maybe anybody thought... Guys still have tons of questions. Hopefully, they’re answered in time."