Tiger Woods’ Push for Greg Norman’s Exit Gains Traction, Paving Path for LIV Golf and PGA Tour Reconciliation

The potential for a truce between golf’s rival factions—the PGA Tour and LIV Golf—appears closer, with Tiger Woods’ long-standing call for Greg Norman’s removal as LIV Golf’s CEO gaining momentum.

Norman, who has led the Saudi-backed LIV Golf since its controversial debut in 2021, has been a polarizing figure amid the division in men’s golf. Tensions peaked under his leadership, particularly surrounding player suspensions and legal battles with the PGA Tour.

Woods, a vocal critic of Norman’s role, previously stated in late 2022 that peace in professional golf hinged on a leadership change at LIV. “Right now as it is, not right now, not with their leadership, not with Greg there and his animosity towards the Tour itself, I don’t see that happening,” Woods said at the time.

He added: “I think Greg’s got to leave and then we can eventually, hopefully, have a stay between the two lawsuits and figure something out. But why would you change anything if you’ve got a lawsuit against you? They sued us first.”

The situation has evolved since then. Both sides dropped their lawsuits after reaching a framework agreement last June, and discussions are now underway between the PGA Tour and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF)—notably without Norman’s involvement.

According to Mirror US, Woods’ stance that Norman should be replaced appears to be gaining traction. Recent reports suggest LIV Golf is actively considering a leadership transition.

Speaking to Wish TV, Norman confirmed the possibility of stepping aside: “Is there going to be a new CEO? Yes. There will be a new CEO. I’m fine with that,” Norman said.

He added: “Will I always have a place and be involved with LIV to some capacity? Yes. I’ll always have that. Because of the impact that has been created in the game of golf by LIV, I’ve had a small, small piece of that, which I’m proud of… I’ve seen it come from a business model on paper to giving birth on the golf course to where it is today.”

The Sports Business Journal first reported last month that LIV executives were discussing Norman’s potential replacement. Now, Scott O’Neil, former CEO of Merlin Entertainments who stepped down in November, is reportedly a leading candidate for the role.

With momentum building for a leadership change, the door may finally be opening for reconciliation between LIV Golf and the PGA Tour. Tiger Woods’ insistence that “Greg’s got to leave” may soon be realized as both sides work toward harmony in the sport.