Greg Norman has revealed he has visited a ‘top PGA Tour player’ at his house and to outline the benefits of a move to LIV Golf.
Greg Norman has revealed he has visited a ‘top PGA Tour player’ at his house and to outline the benefits of a move to LIV Golf.
As the golf world continues to navigate the ongoing rivalry between LIV Golf and the PGA Tour, the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund-backed league is set to intensify its efforts to acquire top-tier talent during the sport’s off-season. Following last year’s high-profile acquisitions of Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton, LIV Golf is poised to make significant moves ahead of the 2025 season, which will see its early-season events overlap with key PGA Tour tournaments. The persistence of the golf feud suggests that LIV Golf’s aggressive recruitment strategy is far from over.
Greg Norman, CEO of LIV Golf, has been vocal about his league’s ambitions and its long-term plans. His recent comments underscore a determination to further strengthen LIV Golf’s roster. Among the names reportedly high on LIV’s target list are Hideki Matsuyama and Viktor Hovland, both of whom are prominent figures in the golf world and could potentially make substantial impacts on the league’s success.
Hideki Matsuyama, the former Masters champion and a significant name in global golf, is a primary focus for LIV Golf. Norman has made no secret of his admiration for Matsuyama and his desire to bring him onto the LIV roster. Matsuyama’s influence extends far beyond the American golf scene; he is a major figure in Japan, where his presence generates considerable media attention and fan engagement. Despite the PGA Tour’s relatively limited promotion of Matsuyama for U.S. events, his status in Asia makes him an invaluable asset.
The prospect of Matsuyama joining LIV Golf is intriguing, particularly given the scale of the potential contract. Rumors suggest that LIV Golf might offer Matsuyama one of its largest contracts to date, potentially rivaling the $600 million deal that was reportedly extended to Jon Rahm. Norman’s openness about his pursuit of Matsuyama is evident from his past statements and actions. After Matsuyama’s victory in Los Angeles earlier this year, Norman was quick to extend his congratulations, signaling his continued interest in the Japanese golfer.
In addition to Matsuyama, Viktor Hovland is another prominent golfer who could be on LIV Golf’s radar. Hovland, who has previously held the title of world No. 1, had a challenging 2024 season, largely due to issues related to his swing coach. Despite these difficulties, Hovland’s talent and potential remain undeniable. He has already indicated a willingness to explore opportunities with LIV Golf, having instructed his agent to engage in discussions with the league. This open dialogue could place LIV Golf in a favorable position to secure Hovland’s services, especially given the setbacks he experienced this year.
The ongoing negotiations and potential moves come against a backdrop of a tentative agreement between the PGA Tour and the Saudi Public Investment Fund. This agreement suggests that the prolonged period of contention between the two entities might be drawing to a close. The successes of players like Bryson DeChambeau at the U.S. Open and Jon Rahm within the LIV tour illustrate a promising trajectory for the league and its participants.
Looking ahead, if the anticipated merger between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf proceeds, the future of the sport could see a significant shift. A unified direction for professional golf might emerge within the next year, altering the landscape and potentially setting the stage for a more integrated and harmonious golfing environment. As LIV Golf continues to build its roster and the PGA Tour adapts to the evolving dynamics, the coming months will be crucial in shaping the future of the sport.
