Rory McIlroy says replacing Greg Norman as LIV CEO is right move for game to progress

Rory McIlroy’s thoughts on LIV Golf have thawed since the early days of golf’s war, but he still doesn’t have a lot of time for ousted chief executive Greg Norman.

Rory McIlroy was never a fan of Greg Norman’s leadership at LIV Golf and declared the decision to replace him was a “good move” and an indication the breakaway tour was “not going anywhere soon”.

The world No.3 gave his thoughts as LIV officials ticked one of the boxes Norman couldn’t, landing a broadcast deal in the US with Fox Sports.

One of the most ardent early critics of LIV, McIlroy once said “I hate LIV” and showed little love for Norman when the golf war was at its frostiest, having said there was no chance of peace in the sport with the Australian great at the helm.

But the decision, confirmed on Thursday, to replace Norman as LIV chief executive and commissioner with US sports executive Scott O’Neil while discussions around the framework agreement with the US PGA Tour are ongoing, albeit slowly, was welcomed by McIlroy.

A fan of O’Neil, McIlroy said it was a sign the two tours would have to continue to coexist.

“He (Norman) got it off the ground. You’ve got to commend him for that. Now it’s time for someone with a bit more experience in this to take over,” McIlroy said after the opening round of the Dubai Desert Classic.

Rory McIlroy is happy to see the back of Greg Norman as LIV boss. Picture: Giuseppe Cacace / AFP

“I honestly don’t know what the future holds for them, but the moves they are making, especially from an executive standpoint, it doesn’t look like they are going to go away anytime soon.”

“For LIV, it’s probably a good move (replacing Norman) now that they’re established.”

McIlroy’s comments came as LIV officials lauded their major new, multi-year broadcast deal. All 14 LIV events will be broadcast on Fox Sports and its streaming app.

“LIV Golf is getting bigger and bolder, and this relationship signals the next phase of growth as our league joins the company of the nation’s premier sports leagues and conferences,” O’Neil said.

Let’s go. We’ve teamed up with FOX 📺📈#LIVGolf | @FOXSports | @FS1pic.twitter.com/BtOO3Br3FH

— LIV Golf (@livgolf_league) January 16, 2025

“LIV Golf is drawing a younger, more active and tech-savvy fan base, and as our players and teams prepare for LIV Golf’s biggest season yet, this agreement will take our broadcast to new heights.”

LIV critics have long pointed out horrible viewership numbers for the Saudi-backed tour in the US in particular.

But major champion Jon Rahm, who signed LIV’s biggest contract worth in excess of $400m, said the new deal was “a huge step forward for LIV Golf”.

The 2025 LV Golf season, its fourth, begins in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on February 6 before moving to Adelaide.

Originally published as Rory McIlroy says replacing Greg Norman as LIV CEO is right move for game to progress