LIV Golf chief executive Greg Norman anticipates a cascade of changes in the golf landscape following Jon Rahm's decision to join the Saudi-funded LIV Golf tour, marking a departure from the PGA Tour. Rahm's move comes as a surprise, considering his previous stance against joining LIV since its inception in 2022.
Norman, emphasizing the importance of having Rahm on board, stated, "To have Jon on board was critically important to our future and what we want to do." Speaking to World Business Report, he predicted a domino effect, noting, "It will create a domino effect, there will be more apples falling from the tree - no question about it, because LIV continues to develop."
The two-time major winner, Rahm, had initially expressed reservations about LIV's format, deeming their three-day events with shotgun starts and no cut as "not appealing." However, his decision to join the likes of Brooks Koepka, Cam Smith, and Phil Mickelson on the breakaway tour signals a significant shift.
Reports suggest that Rahm's switch to LIV could bring substantial financial gains, estimated to be upwards of £450m ($566.4m). Norman disclosed that Rahm's move has already sparked interest among other players, with numerous inquiries flooding in within a week.
Norman acknowledged the criticism LIV has faced but emphasized Saudi Arabia's genuine commitment to golf. He highlighted the country's investment in the sport, dispelling notions of sportswashing and expressing disappointment at the hostility LIV has encountered since its inception.
While Norman confirmed the interest of several players in joining LIV, he clarified that he hasn't approached world number two Rory McIlroy, a vocal critic of LIV. The ongoing scrutiny of Saudi Arabia's involvement in golf, particularly the potential merger with the PGA Tour, remains a contentious issue. Norman remains optimistic about the merger, asserting that golf has been recognized as an asset due to LIV.
Recent developments include 21 golfers from the PGA Tour seeking more information about the organization's future. The proposed merger with the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF), which has pledged $2bn (£1.6bn) to LIV, faces scrutiny, with a deadline of December 31, 2023, for ratification.
As the golf world navigates these dynamic changes, Norman remains confident in LIV's trajectory and the transformative impact it is set to have on the sport.
