Greg Norman is out at LIV Golf.
The 70-year-old Hall of Famer, who spearheaded the league’s launch in 2021, confirmed on Instagram Thursday that his contract had expired and he is no longer with the Saudi-backed circuit. Though Norman had already faded from the spotlight after Scott O’Neil was named CEO earlier this year, this marks the formal end of his controversial but groundbreaking run.
“Together, we built a movement that changed the game globally,” Norman wrote. “We created opportunities for both players and fans and broadened the ecosystem of golf… It’s been an incredible chapter, and I’m so proud of what we accomplished. My commitment to do what was and still is, the right thing for golf, the players and fans never waivered [sic].”
He signed off with a teaser for his next chapter: “As for what’s next… Stay tuned! Exciting times ahead.”
Norman’s Legacy: Disruptor and Builder
Norman leaves behind a legacy that has defined professional golf’s modern power struggle. Under his leadership, LIV Golf lured away some of the game’s biggest stars — including Bryson DeChambeau, Brooks Koepka, Sergio Garcia, and Jon Rahm — while rolling out $25 million purses, team-based competition, and a global schedule.
He also oversaw the creation of LIV’s franchise model, which gave captains equity in their squads, though no teams have yet been sold to outside investors.
Perhaps most importantly, Norman helped LIV land a U.S. television deal with Fox Sports, a key step in legitimizing the breakaway league.
From Player Freedom to LIV Reality
Norman’s involvement with LIV was decades in the making. As early as the 1990s, he advocated for greater player freedom and even attempted to launch a rival world tour. That effort fizzled, but the backing of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund finally allowed Norman’s vision to take root.
LIV has now staged 50 events worldwide, and while critics continue to hammer the league over its Saudi ties, Norman’s disruption forced the PGA Tour to adapt — including introducing elevated purses, restructuring its schedule, and exploring private investment.
O’Neil Era Begins
While Norman moves on, LIV is firmly with Scott O’Neil. The new CEO has signaled a softer tone, aiming for Official World Golf Ranking recognition and expanding its global footprint for 2026 and beyond.
Whether LIV’s team model matures into a profitable franchise system remains to be seen. For now, LIV remains well-funded and aggressive — but without its original figurehead.
Norman, who won 20 times on the PGA Tour and more than 80 times worldwide, made clear his competitive fire hasn’t dimmed. His Instagram parting shot suggests another project is already in the works.
