Greg Norman will yield more power within LIV Golf this year after the rebel tour confirmed an expanded 14 event schedule.
In his role as CEO, Norman has signified the approach of LIV thus far, with the circuit offering extortionate amount of money to PGA Tour stars to defect to the Saudi-backed venture. And last week he lauded a "momentous" day when the organisation finally secured live television coverage of their tournaments after striking a deal with the American CW Network.
The likes of Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, vociferous opponents of the LIV series, have both called for the Australian to be removed from his position so that negotiations of a compromise can begin between authorities. But on the contrary, the 67-year-old's influence will now grow after it was confirmed by Sports Illustrated that managing director Majed Al-Sorour will leave his role.
Al-Sorour, also the CEO of the Saudi Golf Federation, will reportedly continue on the LIV Golf board of directors. But his primary focus will be on Saudi's other sporting endeavours, including Newcastle United football club and the WWE.
But according to Sports Illustrated, the managing director position will not be filled, meaning Norman will take on extra responsibility within the organisation. He will now report yo Yasir Al-Rumayyan, the governor of the Public Investment Fund that has essentially funded the LIV venture.
The 2023 series will get underway on February 24 at the Mayakoba Golf Resort in Mexico. However, there have been late changes to the initial schedule, with the end of season team championship event now taking place at the Royal Greens Golf and Country Club in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The initial venue in Doral, Miami, will still host a series event in October.
Their Boston tournament however, where eventual series winner Dustin Johnson won so dramatically last year, has now been scrapped. Instead, the Orange County National course by Orlando will run a LIV event just a week before the US Masters in April.
The sole UK visit takes place in July, at the very venue the rebel series got underway last summer. The Centurion Club at St Albans will host the eighth event of the year from July 7-9.
Norman's new-found power is likely to concern the status quo, given his feud with the PGA Tour. He recently took aim at Woods for his criticism of the Saudi series, saying "he might be a bit of a mouthpiece for the PGA Tour to try and do – to get us to create – or get turmoil, create it internally within LIV."
