Rory McIlroy praised LIV Golf’s resolution to nominate Scott O’Neil as the brand new CEO following Greg Norman’s departure, signaling a notable shift within the group’s management. LIV Golf introduced on Wednesday that Norman would step down, with O’Neil set to take the helm.
“He has an incredible observe file with what he has achieved in sports activities, when it comes to managing groups and teams of groups, possession teams. He has acquired the fitting credentials to take over a sports activities league. I feel for LIV it’s in all probability transfer now they’re established,” mentioned McIlroy.
Rory McIlroy’s feedback on Greg Norman
The World No. 3 a protracted a vocal critic of the breakaway league, struck a extra complimentary tone. On Wednesday, McIlroy revealed he had urged his protégé Tom McKibbin to avoid LIV Golf when questioned a few doable transfer. Though he endorsed Greg Norman’s departure as a useful change for LIV Golf, McIlroy nonetheless tipped his cap to “The Shark” for his contributions.
Though McIlroy has been important of each LIV Golf and Greg Norman previously, he acknowledged the previous CEO’s latest optimistic affect, saying: “Greg took numerous flack the primary couple of years. He’s in all probability one of many solely guys in golf who may have taken on that function. He acquired off the bottom and it’s important to commend him for that, now it’s time for somebody with a bit extra expertise to take over.”
Beforehand, McIlroy had overtly criticized Norman, even suggesting over two years in the past that his resignation would assist foster a greater relationship between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf.
The incoming CEO, Scott O’Neil, is conversant in McIlroy, having attended The Showdown in December, the place McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler confronted off towards Brooks Koepka and Bryson DeChambeau.
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Scott O’Neil’s entry bodes properly for LIV Golf
Throughout the TGL launch, golf legends Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods joined Scott O’Neil. McIlroy spoke extremely of the brand new CEO’s spectacular background, stating, “Scott was at our Showdown match in Vegas and clearly Greg was as properly. Then Scott was on the first night time of TGL. He has a powerful observe file in sports activities, managing groups and possession teams.”
Scott O’Neil steps into his function at LIV Golf throughout a turbulent interval for males’s skilled golf, because the PGA Tour negotiates with LIV’s Saudi backers, the Public Funding Fund (PIF). His appointment is broadly thought to be a stabilizing transfer, bolstered by his sturdy working relationship with PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan.
PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan stays closely engaged in negotiations with the Public Funding Fund (PIF), continuously looking for enter from McIlroy, who serves as a trusted voice amongst gamers. Though the way forward for the PGA Tour and LIV Golf stays unsure, McIlroy has acknowledged the rival league’s endurance.
On January 16, LIV revealed a multiyear media cope with Fox Sports activities, set to begin with the league’s 2025 season. This marks its third season since debuting as an “invitational sequence” in the summertime of 2022.
The league will debut on mainstream sports activities tv in its largest market. LIV Golf had beforehand aired on The CW, the place it garnered low scores because of the community’s restricted sports activities programming.