Rory McIlroy sneaks a shot at Greg Norman on the way out of LIV Golf

Rory McIlroy praised LIV Golf’s decision to appoint Scott O’Neill as its new chief executive following the departure of Greg Norman, signaling a significant change in the organisation’s leadership. LIV Golf announced on Wednesday that Norman will step down with O’Neill set to take the helm.

“He has an incredible track record with what he’s done in sports, in terms of managing teams and groups of teams, ownership groups. He has the right credentials to take over a sports league. “I think for LIV it’s probably a good move now that they’re established,” McIlroy said.

Rory McIlroy comments on Greg Norman

The world number three, long a vocal critic of the breakaway league, struck a more welcoming tone. McIlroy revealed on Wednesday that he urged his protégé Tom McKibbin to stay away from LIV Golf when asked about a possible move. While he endorsed Greg Norman’s departure as a beneficial change for LIV Golf, McIlroy still tipped his hat to the Sharks for his contributions.

While McIlroy has been critical of both LIV Golf and Greg Norman in the past, he acknowledged the former CEO’s recent positive influence, saying: “Greg had a lot of flack in the first few years. He’s probably one of the few guys in golf who could fill that role. He got off the field and you have to commend him for that, now it’s time for someone with a little more experience to take over.”

McIlroy has previously been an outspoken critic of Norman, even suggesting more than two years ago that his resignation would help foster a better relationship between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf.

The new CEO, Scott O’Neil, is familiar with McIlroy, after attending The Showdown December, where McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler faced Brooks Koepka and Bryson DeChambeau.

Scott O’Neill’s entry is good for LIV Golf

During the TGL launch, golf legends Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods joined Scott O’Neill. McIlroy spoke highly of the new CEO’s impressive background, saying: “Scott was at our Showdown match in Vegas and obviously Greg was too. Then Scott was at the first night of TGL. He has an impressive track record in sports, team management and ownership groups.”

Scott O’Neill enters his role at LIV Golf during a turbulent period for men’s professional golf as the PGA Tour negotiates with LIV’s Saudi sponsors, the Public Investment Fund (PIF). His appointment is widely seen as a stabilizing move, bolstered by his strong working relationship with PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monaghan.

PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monaghan remains heavily involved in negotiations with the Public Investment Fund (PIF), often seeking input from McIlroy, who serves as a trusted voice among players. While the future of the PGA Tour and LIV Golf remains uncertain, McIlroy recognized the resilience of the rival league.

January 16 LIV has revealed a multi-year media deal with Fox Sportsscheduled to begin with the league season in 2025. This marks its third season since debuting as an “invitational series” in the summer of 2022.

The league will make its debut on mainstream sports television in its largest market. LIV Golf previously aired on The CV, where it received low ratings due to the network’s limited sports programming.