The LIV Golf tour needs to add more depth to its ranks, with CEO Greg Norman admitting that they need more quality players in the field with a 'long list' of players who want to join.
Having paid millions to attract big name players including Brooks Koepka, Cameron Smith and Dustin Johnson to the Saudi-backed tour, Norman has said that there are more names in the frame to join. With British Open Champion Smith in their ranks, it is an impressive field, but recent tournaments have shown a lack of strength in depth, with Sihwan Kim finishing last in all three LIV Golf tournaments this season.
However, with Koepka showcasing his quality at the recent Masters tournament, finishing second behind Jon Rahm, the signs of quality are there, but Norman admitted the ongoing need to improve the player roster. He told NCA NewsWire via FoxSports : “It’s an ongoing process. We’ve got a long list of players who want to come in. We just don’t have the ability today because players are under contract.
“But we’ll get to a position where there will be a relegation series and places will start opening up. He added. “It’s incredible the amount of players who want to come on board. It would surprise you how good those names are.”
Having had tournaments in Arizona, Florida and Mexico so far this season, the tour moves on to Adelaide, Australia this week, with Smith facing his home tournament as the highest ranked player in the tour. The 29-year-old is ranked ninth in the world, but this is a long way ahead of the rest of the tour with the next highest ranked player, Joaquin Niemann, in 24th.
With the likes of Smith playing alongside some huge names from the US, the tour has been able to sell out its event in Adelaide, in a big statement to those who criticise the breakaway event. However, as with Newcastle United, there is continued scrutiny as to the funding of the tour due to alleged links with the Saudi government and the subsequent accusations of 'sportswashing'.
The tour's 'team' format has drawn players in, with Norman's 'golf but louder' concept having similarities to similar new formats in other sports such as the Hundred and T20 in cricket. However, TV audiences have failed to follow suit with poor viewing figures for the recent event in Mexico.
This criticism, however, was brushed off by former Open winner Norman, who has vowed to keep moving forward with the new tour, with the vision to change the game and the future of the sport. He added: “I knew it going in. I didn’t expect it that degree to be honest with you. And I look forward to the day when you know, hopefully everybody’s got to eat crow,”
“I just know our model is here to stay. It’s not a vindictive attitude or approach or anything like that. It’s my desire to do what is right for the game of golf and what is right for the players, and what is right for the fans that are out here.”
