Greg Norman says a dozen players have called him about joining LIV

Two of the leading players linked to a LIV move with Jon Rahm have said no, but that hasn’t stopped Greg Norman spruiking big moves.

LIV Golf boss Greg Norman says he’s not going anywhere. Picture: Cliff Hawkins/Getty Images/AFP

Greg Norman declared he’s been “inundated” with requests from top players to join Jon Rahm’s new LIV Golf team in the wake of the Masters champion’s defection, with “between eight and 12 guys” looking to fill the three available spots.

Both Jason Day and world no.20 Tony Finau, who had been linked to LIV, aren’t among the cohort looking to join Rahm, who made the leap for a figure anywhere between $300m and $600m according to reports, having both made public denials.

Rumours continue to link world No.6 Xander Schauffele to LIV after his disquiet about not being paid to play in this year’s Ryder Cup, and Norman was adamant both his and Rahm’s phones had been running hot in the days after confirmation of his blockbuster shift.

“I’ll be honest with you, since Jon signed, I know he’s been inundated by players saying, ‘I want to play on your team, Jon. How do I get on that?’” Norman said.

“And I have been inundated and my other team members, too, my C-suite within the organisation. I can tell you, hand on my heart, between eight and 12 guys for about two or three spots and maybe two spots, to be honest with you.”

Jon Rahm’s move to Greg Norman’s LIV Golf has caused a stir. Picture: Scott Taetsch/LIV Golf

Speaking at an event in his native Spain, Rahm revealed he’d been told to try to keep a low profile before his LIV debut next February and would not being doing interviews, with no chance to reveal who his teammates on his yet-to-be-named four-man team would be.

“I am under very strict instructions not to do public events, which I have imposed on myself a little bit for myself, and for the change I have given to the world of golf in the last week,” Rahm said.

He gave a categorical “No!” when asked if he was planning to give an interview at the function.

“There will be nothing until February, I’m not allowed to,” he said.

Emboldened by Rahm’s move despite LIV’s future under a cloud as the PGA Tour looks to finalise its framework agreement with the Saudi Public Investment Fund, a deal which is supposed to be finalised by December 31, Norman spruiked the impact it had on the wider game.

“I think word is getting out there amongst all the players around the world, even the top players, the best players in the world,” Norman told ESPN.

“They love our format, they love our platform, they love the team spirit, the team atmosphere. And to be honest with you, I’ve seen it resonate very, very loudly this year. And obviously, Jon is an incredible addition to us.”

👀👀#LIVGolfpic.twitter.com/YRLWbJcnDs

— LIV Golf (@livgolf_league) December 13, 2023

Norman dismissed suggestions that his LIV role could become redundant should the framework agreement give the PGA Tour power to control LIV.

“I’m still sitting here,” Norman said.

“I still have the support of my investor, and it is what it is. People can say what they want to say without having any knowledge of the outcome.”

Originally published as Greg Norman says a dozen players have called him about joining LIV