Jon Rahm gives his thoughts on Greg Norman’s exit from LIV Golf and also speaks about ‘very good’ news for the tour

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It’s been an off-season of change for LIV Golf, with a new CEO now in place ahead of the 2025 campaign, which starts at the beginning of February.

Greg Norman confirmed his LIV Golf exit last month. The legendary Aussie will be replaced by Scott O’Neil, the former CEO of the NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers and NHL’s New Jersey Devils.

Norman’s role with the PIF-funded venture will not be forgotten, however. The two-time Open Championship winner helped put LIV on the map and even elevated the breakaway league above his reputation.

LIV insiders are delighted with Norman’s work, but it’s clear a business head is required to move the league forward as the PIF continues talks with the PGA Tour.

Jon Rahm reacts to Greg Norman’s LIV Golf exit

Jon Rahm – LIV’s highest-profile signing – is the latest big name to react to Norman‘s departure.

“Yeah, Scott, spent a little bit of time with him last week in some live commercial, photo shoots, I never know how to call those. You know, even though Greg has treated me great, I think having somebody like Scott, who is a little bit outside the world of golf but very much in the world of sport, I think, makes him kind of a perfect match for that,” Rahm said during his press conference at the Dubai Desert Classic.

“I think, unfortunately, there’s been a little bit, possibly a little too much bad blood between Greg and maybe the governing bodies, and to have somebody outside of that might help the situation. Plus his overall view with what a league or an organization could work and should work with his experience in the NBA, right.

“With that, and based on what I talked to him about and the vision he has and his enthusiasm, I think he’s going to be a very positive impact for LIV, and FOX, obviously, as well. Even though it’s mainly a U.S. thing to have the largest market, golf market in the world be able to watch LIV Golf on a channel that, for the better part, should be pretty much every TV in the country, it’s very good. Looking forward to hopefully improving some years. A lot of improvement this year.”

What Rory McIlroy has said about Greg Norman’s LIV departure

Rory McIlroy has been one of Norman’s most prominent critics. On numerous occasions, the Northern Irishman has suggested that the Aussie wasn’t the right man to solve the divide within the professional game.

McIlroy, however, has changed his tune on Norman while also accepting that O’Neil’s hire was needed.

“He has got the right credentials to take over a sports league. I think for LIV it is probably a good move now they are established,” McIlroy said on the incoming CEO.

“Greg took a lot of flack the first couple of years,” McIlroy added. He is probably one of the only guys in golf who could have taken on that role. He got it off the ground, and you have to commend him for that. Now it’s time for someone with a bit more experience to take over.”

Is Greg Norman leaving LIV Golf altogether?

Norman won’t be leaving LIV Golf altogether. Golf Channel pundit Rex Hoggard claimed he had been told by a LIV source that the Aussie would still hold a role within the league.

“I called a source at LIV Golf, and the way this was described to me was essentially Greg would become the commissioner of the tour itself, and then there would be a CEO, who is more qualified to sit into these negotiations for a new media rights deal and whatever corporate sponsorship they’re trying to obtain going forward,” he said.

Clearly, given the current state of professional golf, Norman handing over the reins feels like the best move for LIV and even the PGA Tour.