LIV Golf make expected announcement weeks before 2025 season

Greg Norman declared he changed the game forever as his successor at LIV Golf was named. 

Scott O'Neil was officially unveiled as the new chief executive of the breakaway tour on 15 January. 

The announcement was not in the least bit surprising, given Norman confirmed last December he was going to be replaced. 

When that news broke he said he was 'fine' with the decision and claimed he would always have a home at LIV Golf. 

Sports Business Journal were the first to report O'Neil - a former NHL and NBA executive - was the leading candidate. 

The cat was out of the bag when he was spotted in Las Vegas ahead of Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy's exhibition match against LIV recruits Brooks Koepka and Bryson DeChambeau. 

O'Neil's most recent role saw him serve as the CEO of Merlin Entertainments. 

"First and foremost, congratulations to Scott," Norman said.  

"He is exactly the type of experienced professional who understands the unique and powerful combination of entertainment and sports that LIV Golf exemplifies. 

"The league will be in very good hands with him at the helm.

"I started this journey more than 30 years ago, knowing in my heart and mind that the game of golf and its professional players were undervalued, delivering a product that felt stagnant. 

"With LIV Golf, we changed the game forever. 

"None of this would have been possible without the vision and leadership of LIV's chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan. 

"He always knew what was possible and he never wavered from his belief that golf and the business of golf could be more than it was in the past."

Norman, the former World No.1 and two-time Open champion, has often been seen as a divisive figure in golf’s civil war between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf.

He has traded insults publicly with the aforementioned McIlroy, accusing the Northern Irishman of being 'brainwashed' by the North American circuit. 

Norman has also come to blows with PGA Tour boss Jay Monahan, with his explosive correspondence often leaked. 

Tiger Woods even stated that in order for the game to be re-united then Norman would have to leave. 

The PGA Tour announced a 'framework agreement' in June 2023 with LIV's financiers but so far no deal has come to pass. 

Norman added: "I couldn't be prouder of what we've accomplished or more pleased with where the league stands today. 

"I'm excited to pass the baton of day-to-day management and continue to help do what I can to grow LIV Golf. LONG LIV GOLF!"

LIV's third full season begins next month in Riyadh. 

As ever, there are 13 regular events and a team championship. 

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