Report: Greg Norman accused of recruiting for LIV Golf as host of PGA Tour event
LIV Golf commissioner Greg Norman has been accused of overstepping his mark to recruit players whilst hosting the QBE Shootout on the PGA Tour.
LIV Golf commissioner Greg Norman has been accused of overstepping his duties whilst hosting the QBE Shootout on the PGA Tour.
In case you didn't know, the QBE Shootout at Tiburón Golf Course in Naples, Florida was formerly hosted by The Shark.
Norman is obviously not in good standing with the PGA Tour, having overseen the development of LIV Golf that has upset the status quo and led to a number of lawsuits that will make your head spin.
The 67-year-old revealed on September 30 that he was asked not to attend the silly season event he has been involved with either as a player or host since 1989.
He blasted on Instagram:
"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. 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."
Now Golfweek's Adam Schupak has shone a light on Norman's potential recruitment process whilst acting as QBE tournament host.
As many as 18 current LIV Golf players have played in the QBE Shootout.
It may be a mere coincidence but it is interesting, nonetheless.
Of the 18 who have participated in the Shootout, 13 of them have played within the last two years.
We now know that behind the scenes LIV Golf was taking shape at a breathtaking pace.
Phil Mickelson was reportedly working with attorneys to draw up the stipulations for the LIV Golf League.
Apparently, the concept of LIV Golf was first known as Project Wedge.
The players who have participated in the shootout that now play for LIV Golf are:
- Abraham Ancer
- Bryson DeChambeau
- Charles Howell III
- Dustin Johnson
- Jason Kokrak
- Marc Leishman
- Graeme McDowell
- Kevin Na
- Joaquin Niemann
- Pat Perez
- Ian Poulter
- Patrick Reed
- Cameron Smith
- Hudson Swafford
- Cameron Tringale
- Harold Varner III
- Bubba Watson
- Lee Westwood
- Matthew Wolff
It would be very interesting to see where and when these players were be recruited.
Hopefully if we get to the discovery stage in the lawsuits we might get some more juicy details.
LIV Golf bosses also caught the headlines earlier this year after reports emerged they attempted to woo potential players at Augusta National before the 86th Masters.
Ben joined the GolfMagic team in September 2021, initially as a content executive.
These days, he assumes the position of content manager.
