Reports: Greg Norman strikes new deal for LIV Golf
Greg Norman’s Game-Changing Move: LIV Golf’s Bold Expansion into India Amid Leadership Uncertainty
Greg Norman, LIV Golf’s commissioner and two-time major champion, has reportedly struck a groundbreaking deal that could expand the breakaway tour’s footprint to new heights. According to Sky News, Norman has agreed to bring LIV Golf to India for the first time ever, staging an International Series event at the prestigious DLF Golf & Country Club in Gurgaon. This monumental move represents yet another strategic push by LIV Golf as it continues to shake up the professional golf landscape and challenge the PGA Tour’s dominance.
LIV Golf’s Global Reach Expands to India
While the deal has yet to be officially signed, sources have revealed that the tournament could take place as early as February 2025, with Gurgaon set to host a LIV International Series event. This event is poised to feature a lineup of 148 international golfers, with up to 16 players from LIV’s elite league joining the field. The International Series is an integral part of the Asian Tour, offering participants a coveted prize: the winner of the order of merit will earn a spot on LIV Golf’s highly competitive tour for the following season. American golfer John Catlin currently leads the pack, and he looks primed to secure his place for the 2025 LIV Golf campaign, which is set to kick off in Riyadh next February.
Although LIV Golf has yet to reveal its complete 2025 schedule, a few key locations have already been confirmed. After Riyadh in February, the tour will make its way to Adelaide, before hitting Hong Kong and Singapore in March. Now, with the potential addition of India to the tour, LIV Golf is broadening its reach across the globe, showing no signs of slowing down in its ambition to rival the PGA Tour on an international scale.
The Strategic Role of the International Series
The International Series has proven to be a key player in LIV Golf’s expansion, offering emerging talent a chance to break into the elite ranks of the sport. By positioning itself under the Asian Tour’s umbrella, LIV Golf is tapping into a growing market of golf enthusiasts across Asia, and the addition of India solidifies this vision. The DLF Golf & Country Club, an iconic course that has hosted numerous international tournaments, will provide the perfect stage for LIV Golf’s first foray into the Indian subcontinent.
The deal was reportedly brokered with the help of London-based advisory firm CTD Advisors, marking a significant partnership for LIV Golf. As the sport continues to grow in India, this event is expected to attract a wealth of talent, media attention, and corporate sponsorship, further cementing LIV Golf’s presence in the world of professional golf.
Greg Norman Faces Leadership Scrutiny Amid LIV Golf’s Expansion
While Norman’s deal with India signals a major victory for the commissioner, it comes at a time when his leadership is reportedly under scrutiny. A report from the Sports Business Journal recently claimed that LIV Golf has been quietly searching for a replacement for Norman as commissioner, though he would remain in a senior leadership role within the organization. The report also named Brett Yormark, the current commissioner of the Big 12 Conference, as a possible candidate for the position. However, negotiations with Yormark did not progress.
In the midst of this leadership uncertainty, Norman has also faced public criticism from some prominent figures in the golf world. This week, former PGA Tour commissioner Deane Beman didn’t hold back in his assessment of Norman’s tenure at LIV Golf. During an interview with Sports Illustrated’s Bob Harig, Beman claimed that Norman had misunderstood the nature of professional golf, especially when it comes to the role of superstars in the game.
Deane Beman’s Scathing Critique of Norman’s Approach
Beman, who played a pivotal role in shaping the modern PGA Tour, suggested that Norman’s belief in the power of individual superstars—like Jack Nicklaus or Tiger Woods—had been misguided. “I think he got it wrong that the superstars in his mind would control everything,” Beman told Sports Illustrated. He explained that the PGA Tour had thrived even when players like Jack Nicklaus, during his prime, competed in only a few tournaments. According to Beman, the true strength of the PGA Tour—and by extension any successful golf tour—lies in its infrastructure, its events, and its ability to attract corporate sponsors who bankroll the tournaments.
“It’s the organization and the volunteers and the events themselves and the ability to attract corporate sponsors who put up the money to make it all work,” Beman argued. “And they get great value for that. It’s not Jack Nicklaus or Tiger Woods, even though we love to have them.”
This critique reflects a broader sentiment that while LIV Golf has attracted some of the biggest names in the game, its long-term success may depend more on the structure and sustainability of the league than on its roster of star players.
A Pivotal Moment for LIV Golf’s Future
As Greg Norman pushes forward with his ambitious plans for LIV Golf, the timing of this potential expansion into India is critical. With rumors swirling about changes in the leadership of LIV Golf and external criticisms mounting, this new chapter for the breakaway tour could serve as a make-or-break moment for the organization. LIV Golf has always positioned itself as a bold and disruptive force in the sport, but the question remains: will these new ventures, like the India expansion, be enough to sustain the league’s momentum in the long run?
For now, all eyes will be on Norman and LIV Golf as they prepare to unveil their full 2025 schedule. With four events already confirmed and the possibility of adding Gurgaon to the mix, it’s clear that LIV Golf is not backing down from its mission to reshape professional golf. As Norman continues to expand LIV’s global reach, the next few months could provide crucial insights into the future of the league—and the legacy of its commissioner.
