LIV officials search for new CEO to replace Greg Norman

After three years of disrupting golf and bringing LIV to the world, there could be change coming for an Australian legend.

Greg Norman could soon be ousted as LIV Golf chief executive, with a London-based recruitment agency tasked with finding his replacement.

The Australian golfing legend has been the chief executive and commissioner of the Saudi-backed tour since its inception and played a key role in luring the likes of Australian superstar Cam Smith to the LIV ranks.

But leading players, including Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, have been steadfast that for any unification between LIV and the PGA Tour to be successful, Norman, who has long been critical of golf authorities, has to be moved on.

“I think Greg needs to go,” McIlroy said when the golf war was at its peak.

“I think he just needs to exit stage left. He’s made his mark, but I think now is the right time to sort of say, ‘Look, you’ve got this thing off the ground, but no one is going to talk unless there’s an adult in the room that can actually try to mend fences’.”

LIV Golf boss Greg Norman could be replaced as chief executive. Picture: Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images

With discussions between LIV’s financial backers, the Saudi Public Investment Fund, and the PGA tour ramping up over finalising the framework agreement between the rival groups, exiting Norman could prove critical.

A new report in the Sports Business Journal listed London-based Odgers Berndtson as the firm entrusted with finding a replacement chief executive for Norman.

While the 69-year-old retains the support of senior people at the PIF, and would maintain some role with LIV, it would not be as chief executive, according to the report.

LIV has gone on a recent hiring spree, adding senior officials from companies including Nike, suggesting those in charge are backing the tour’s long-term future despite an impending union of some sorts with the PGA Tour.

At the recent Alfred Dunhill Links Championship on the DP World Tour, PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan played alongside PIG governor, and Norman supporter, Yasir Al-Rumayyan and McIlroy.

Norman’s presence has diminished in recent times at LIV events, but he has been a fan favourite at the past two events in Adelaide.