Greg Norman says LIV Golf players faced a lot of hate when the tour started in 2022.
In an interview with Bloomberg’s Latitude, he praised the first players who joined despite heavy criticism from the golfing world.
Norman said, “I compliment the boys who came on – the first movers. They came on with a massive amount of headwinds. The vitriol and the hatred was just disgusting, to be honest with you.”
Backlash and Criticism
LIV Golf is now in its third year but faced significant pushback from fans, commentators, and golf authorities when it began. Critics argue that Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) uses LIV to improve its image through sports.
Players who joined for big money also got their share of criticism. Tiger Woods was vocal against LIV before the 2022 Open Championship, saying he “disagrees with it” and that LIV players “turned their back on what has allowed them to get to this position.”
However, Norman thinks these criticisms were too harsh. He told Bloomberg that considering what these guys have done for golf and how they’ve represented institutions, it was disgusting.
Fans might think this whole situation is really complicated.
Phil Mickelson joined LIV in 2022 and believes everyone needs to move past these negative experiences for golf’s future. He said, “I need to let go of all the experiences I’ve had in the past that were less than positive.”
The PGA Tour is still negotiating with PIF about possibly reuniting men’s professional golf. Mickelson thinks a merger isn’t necessary but acknowledges LIV has brought benefits like elevated events and more social media opportunities for players.
He mentioned Bryson DeChambeau as an example of how golfers can now create YouTube channels and social media posts thanks to changes brought by LIV.
Ultimately, Mickelson hopes for a future without hostility in golf: “Is it necessary that there is a merger? Probably not, but it would be a good thing if there wasn’t any hostility.”
What do you think about all this drama?
