Greg Norman reveals major Rory McIlroy regret after LIV Golf controversy

Jack Otway
Fri, 24 Apr 2026 08:03:27 +0000

Greg Norman has revealed his regret at failing to arrange direct meetings with Rory McIlroy and other leading PGA Tour figures prior to launching LIV Golf in 2022.

The 71-year-old Australian, who served as the breakaway league's chief executive and commissioner until last year, became golf's most divisive personality as fierce hostility developed between the rival tours.

"I just wish I'd sat down with Rory and a few others on the PGA Tour to explain to them what my mission was and what LIV mission was," Norman told 'Dan On Golf.'

The two-time major winner has maintained his original intention was for LIV to work alongside the PGA Tour rather than against it, with plans for four co-sanctioned American events within a worldwide LIV calendar.

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The former LIV chief now feels a sense of vindication following recent comments from PGA Tour chief executive Brian Rolapp, who conceded that the Saudi-backed circuit successfully highlighted flaws within golf's traditional power structures.

Rolapp's admission that LIV prompted improvements benefiting both competitors and spectators drew an enthusiastic response from Norman.

"And when I look at social media and what Brian Rolapp just said recently, I went, 'Hallelujah, hallelujah. Finally,'" Norman said.

Norman praised Rolapp for bringing an outsider's perspective to professional golf, viewing the sport through the lens of fans, innovation, and player empowerment rather than established conventions.

He also pointed to Bryson DeChambeau as evidence of what LIV offered its players, noting the American golfer regained control of his intellectual property rights after joining the breakaway tour.

"Look what we did for Bryson DeChambeau, right? He got his IP back. And look with him now on social media, he's got a massive YouTube following. If he stayed on the PGA Tour, that probably wasn't going to happen," Norman explained.

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The Australian expressed admiration for Rolapp's background with the NFL and his success in expanding American football's global reach.

"And what he's done with the NFL and seeing the growth of the NFL is just significant, and where it's pushing out globally," Norman added.

Despite the Australian's sense of vindication, LIV Golf now confronts an uncertain path forward.

The Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund, which has financed the rebel circuit since its creation, is expected to cease its backing when the current season concludes.

Four years after the bitter conflict between the tours began, the breakaway league finds itself in a precarious position.

Norman acknowledged the doubts surrounding LIV's ability to survive without Saudi financial support.

The responsibility for securing the league's future now rests with Scott O'Neil, who succeeded Norman as the organisation's leader.

O'Neil faces the considerable challenge of attracting substantial new investment to keep LIV operational.