LIV Golf star Cameron Smith has been left surprised after hearing news about breakaway league CEO Greg Norman.
Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund is reportedly looking for a new CEO to head the franchise, which threatens Norman’s LIV Golf role.
Norman will likely remain part of LIV, whatever the outcome, after overseeing the venture’s formative years in 2022.
However, many believe the Aussie stepping aside will be beneficial as talks between the PGA Tour and LIV officials continue.
Cameron Smith: Greg Norman could remain LIV Golf CEO
Smith, who joined LIV after his Open win in 2022, has since reacted to the news and admitted he was caught by surprise.
“I definitely was not aware of it. I was pretty surprised myself. I think he has been under a lot of (public) scrutiny for a few years. They had said he was going to go, and he hasn’t,” Smith told the Herald Sun.
The Aussie also claimed that talk of Norman’s exit could be a rumour. “I would not be surprised if it was all just a rumour,” Smith added. “But by the same token, I am not in the loop as to what is going on on the tour.”
Greg Norman must exit LIV Golf
Tiger Woods wanted Norman to step down in 2022, and the time feels right for the shark to move on.
Norman has admitted he doesn’t care about talks with the PGA Tour. Given the current negotiations centring around a merger, LIV ideally needs a leader who is committed to ending the current divide.
A CEO with business acumen could well be the final piece in what has been an extremely difficult puzzle for the PGA Tour and LIV Golf.
It seems like the final stages of negotiations are near, with PIF and PGA officials regularly spotted together at various events.
Hopefully, Norman’s imminent departure will make those who were alienated on the PGA Tour more malleable to the idea of LIV’s presence if the breakaway venture is led by a shrewd and composed business head.
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