Golf great Greg Norman to help shape Brisbane 2032 Olympics and Paralympics

Greg Norman has been hand chosen by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to join the powerful board organising Brisbane’s Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Golfing great Greg Norman. Picture: Rohan Kelly

Australian sporting legend and global businessman Greg Norman will join the powerful board organising Brisbane’s Olympic and Paralympic Games in a major coup for the city’s global reputation.

The former world number one golfer-turned sports administrator is Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s latest nominee to the 24-person Brisbane organising committee board.

Norman’s experience building LIV Golf and deep sporting and business connections in the United States ahead of the Los Angeles 2028 Games makes him the committee’s most well-known signing.

“While I wish I could wind the clock back four decades and compete in 2032 – it is a privilege to help shape the Brisbane Games,” Norman said.

“In my youth in the 70s I worked in the golf shop at Royal Queensland and now that course will be the home of golf at Brisbane 2032.

“As a proud Queenslander it is an honour and privilege to help shape the Brisbane Games.

“We will prove our credentials as world leaders in events, sport and hospitality at Brisbane 2032, and create an incredible legacy for this state. I look forward to working alongside the other committee members of OCOG in achieving our goals.”

LIV Golf CEO Greg Norman looks on during day three of the LIV Golf Invitational – Las Vegas. Photo: Michael Reaves

Norman was selected by Mr Albanese to replace Moreton MP Graham Perrett, whose role on the board ends when he retires from politics at the federal election.

Sports Minister Anika Wells, who lobbied to secure Norman, said his experience would be valuable.

“Norman is synonymous with Australian sporting success on the world stage and I look forward to drawing on his 40 years of global sporting experience and business acumen,” she said.

“Norman learned to play golf in the northern suburbs of Brisbane and as a proud Queenslander understands our state’s sporting pride and is a passionate supporter of the Olympic and Paralympic movements.

“I want to thank Graham Perrett for his stellar contribution to OCOG.”

Norman is a two-time British Open Champion and the most successful golfer in Australian history.

He was a torch bearer for the Sydney 2000 Olympics and, since retiring from the PGA tour in 2009, the 69-year old has built a successful business in real estate, golf course design and events, and hospitality ventures.

From the archives: Greg Norman playing in Queensland. Picture: Barry Pascoe.

Brisbane 2032 Organising committee president Andrew Liveris was “delighted” with Norman’s appointment.

He asked: “What better Australian sports brand is there than Greg Norman?

“What better Queensland sports brand than Greg Norman?

“He will help put our state and our city on the global map over the next seven years.”

Norman held the number one ranking in golf for 331 weeks and is a member of the World Golf Hall of Fame.

The organising committee is expected to ratify Norman’s appointment when it next meets on April 5.

WHO’S ON THE BOARD?

President: Andrew Liveris

Vice Presidents: Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie, Federal Sports Minister Anika Wells, Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner, Australian Olympic Committee President Ian Chesterman, Paralympics Australia President Alison Creagh, Australian Olympic Committee life member John Coates.

Board Directors: Matt Carroll, Brett Clark, Natalie Cook, Kurt Fearnley, Jessica Fox, Rebecca Frizelle, Teresa Harding, Georgia Baker, Tim Mander, Patrick Johnson, Sarah Kelly, Greg Norman, Shelley Reys, Rob Scott, Robyn Smith, Tracy Stockwell and Tom Tate.