LIV boss Greg Norman ’s relationship with the PGA continues to sour after he was snubbed by his own event. The Australian took to Instagram on Tuesday afternoon and revealed he has been asked not to attend the QBE Shootout in December, a PGA-sanctioned event he started in 1989.
“Why one might ask? Perhaps it is because I am helping to give golf a new heartbeat, creating new value and delivering a new product that is loved by players, fans and broadcasters alike,” the 67-year-old said. “And in doing so, finally giving players their rights as independent contractors to benefit from their performance and brand. In some people's mind this is too disruptive and evolution is perceived as a bad thing. I disagree - competition breeds excellence.”
The charity event consisted of 12 two-player teams competing in various formats and it became the first of the PGA Tour's unofficial season late in the year to raise more than $1million for childhood cancer, a figure that has now surpassed $15million, according to Norman.
He did not disclose who asked him to stay away from the tournament, but did choose to respect their wishes and added the money raised for charities is what matters most to him. “As such, I have decided not to attend this year's event so the focus can remain on the missions at hand,” he said. Rob Hartman, the tournament director, told The Naples Daily News it was a mutual decision.
“As we got close, ultimately the decision was made that he was going to step back and really let the focus remain on our tremendous charitable partners," Hartman said. “When he started this event 34 years ago, it was all about charity then, and it's all about charity now. Greg just made the decision that he didn't want anything to distract from that.”
Due to his involvement with LIV Golf, Norman was also asked by the Royal & Ancient Golf Club not to attend the festivities surrounding the 150th British Open this summer, a major he has won twice in the past. Pressure continues to ramp up on Norman as he met with members of the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate in Washington, D.C. this week.
They discussed the ongoing divide with the PGA Tour and what Norman and LIV Golf claim is antitrust and damaging behaviour. “LIV Golf is coming to the Hill this week to meet with lawmakers from both parties,” a LIV Golf spokesperson said.
“Given the PGA Tour’s attempts to stifle our progress in reimagining the game, we think it’s imperative to educate members on LIV’s business model and counter the Tour’s anti-competitive efforts.” Rep. Jim Banks, the chairman of the Republican Study Committee, told CNN that it was “lively discussion” and that overall Norman was “well received by our members.”
“Some members addressed the Saudi-backed funding,” he added. “That came up in the discussion, and Mr. Norman addressed those issues,” Banks said. “He explained how the investment fund is set up and other investments that they’ve made in the United States. He promised to sit down with members individually.”
Banks even invited Tiger Woods, who is backing the PGA in the fight against LIV, to come and discuss any issues he may have. “If Tiger Woods wants to come in and talk about the PGA and his issues with LIV Golf, we’d love to have him come too,” he said.
