Greg Norman is about to get replaced as LIV Golf’s CEO and commissioner, in response to a number of reviews on Thursday, doubtlessly paving the best way for a merger between Saudi Arabia’s Public Funding Fund and the PGA Tour.
Watch each spherical of the PGA Tour LIVE & Unique on Fox Sports activities, out there on Kayo. New to Kayo? Get your first month for simply $1. Restricted time provide.
ESPN, AP and The Telegraph all reported that former NBA and NHL government Scott O’Neil is predicted to switch Norman, who remains to be tipped to stay on the LIV board.
Norman performed a big position in serving to set up the LIV as a strong pressure in golf, luring the likes of Cameron Smith, Bryson DeChambeau, Dustin Johnson, Phil Mickelson, Jon Rahm and Brooks Koepka away from the PGA Tour.
Nonetheless, with the PIF and PGA Tour in talks to attempt negotiate a deal for the way forward for golf, one supply hinted that the choice to maneuver on from Norman may very well be motivated by a have to have extra of a peacemaker within the position.
The supply with information of the scenario, talking on the situation of anonymity, informed the London Telegraph that the transfer “will align with a possible PGA Tour deal”.
“They’ve determined {that a} relationship-builder is required as CEO of LIV now – the messy stuff is over,” the supply added.
“However you’ll assume that Greg’s not going anyplace and can nonetheless have a giant presence in LIV. He did a hell of a job getting us right here.”
‘Bulls***’: Smith fumes over situations | 05:15
Each Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods known as for Norman to step down as the brand new tour’s CEO in 2022, including that was the one means either side would come collectively to carry talks.
“It’s essential have the 2 our bodies come collectively and if one facet has a lot animosity, making an attempt to destroy our tour, then how do you’re employed with that?” Woods mentioned on the time.
O’Neil most not too long ago labored as CEO of Merlin Entertainments Group, which operates amusement parks and resorts together with the Legoland franchise.
Nonetheless, he additionally has an intensive historical past within the sporting world having additionally served as president of the New York Knicks in addition to the CEO of the Philadelphia 76ers and New Jersey Devils.