Greg Norman: I'd win a debate against Tiger and Rory

Greg Norman says he'd win a debate against Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy if the trio sat down to discuss what has transpired in the men's game since LIV Golf's noisy introduction to the sport. 

Both players have publicly criticised the two-time Open champion during his tenure as LIV Golf's first commissioner. 

Woods once called for Norman to leave his role and let the 'adults in the room' at the PGA Tour and LIV negotiate a path forward at the height of the golf wars in 2022. 

McIlroy went a step further by declaring Norman should simply 'exit stage left', although he recently paid the Aussie a compliment before the Dubai Desert Classic. 

Norman, 69, sat down with Australian Golf Digest over the weekend and revealed he'd love for both players to hear his point of view. 

"I would love to [talk to them]," he said.  

"I would love them to recognise the fact that – like Tiger with his PIP money [Player Impact Program] – that only came because of LIV, right? 

"So Tiger benefitted from that. Rory's definitely benefitted from that. 

"I would love to sit down and talk to them about it, no question about it. 

"Because I'm not a judgmental person and you only learn the facts and truth when you hear the other side of it.

"But, yes, would I like to sit down with them? Sure, absolutely. And you know what? I'd win the debate."

Norman was referring to the PGA Tour's player impact program. 

The PIP was introduced in 2021 as a means to reward players who generate most interest in the North American circuit. 

Critics have suggested it was only introduced to try and persuade high-profile players from joining the breakaway tour. 

Woods picked up $8m as the first PIP winner in 2021 and McIlroy was given $3.5m. 

Phil Mickelson finished second in the inaugural PIP but his payment was withheld after he joined LIV for $200m. 

Woods was given $15m for his PIP win in 2022. He was dethroned in 2023 by McIlroy. 

The 15-time major champion was on top again last year, although the top prize was reduced to $10m. 

The PIP has now been discontinued and replaced with a player equity program.

Throughout the rest of Norman's interview with GD, he claimed:

• He hasn't (and won't watch) McIlroy and Woods' TGL after the golfers criticised him, but he wishes them success in the venture
• He'll still be involved at LIV after his contract expires in August
• He wants to double his portfolio of courses
• He has absolutely no plans to retire any time soon

You can read the full piece here. 

LIV's third full season begins on 6 February in Riyadh. 

Norman has been replaced by Scott O'Neil. 

LIV haven't managed to sign any high-profile players during the off season. 

Ben Campbell has joined Bubba Watson's RangeGoats, Yu-bin Jang has joined Kevin Na's IronHeads, Frederik Kjettrup has joined Martin Kaymer's re-branded Cleeks and Luis Masaveu has joined Sergio Garcia's Fireballs. 

LIV Golf recently announced a multi-year agreement with Fox. 

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