Greg Norman makes Rory McIlroy move at The Showdown after LIV Golf ‘sit down’ offer

Greg Norman Engages with Rory McIlroy’s Caddie Amid LIV Golf Speculation at ‘The Showdown’

Greg Norman, the prominent figure behind LIV Golf since its inception as a Saudi-backed rival to the PGA Tour, recently sparked further intrigue by speaking with Rory McIlroy’s caddie at The Showdown. This encounter came amid swirling rumors that the Northern Irishman, a staunch critic of LIV Golf, might be considering an unexpected switch from the PGA Tour.

The rumors began gaining traction in March, shortly after Scottie Scheffler secured his second Masters title. The mere suggestion of McIlroy joining LIV Golf left fans stunned, given his outspoken disapproval of the breakaway series. However, recent developments suggest that McIlroy’s stance may be evolving.

If McIlroy were to join LIV Golf, it would represent the most significant acquisition in the series’ history. Reports suggested an extraordinary offer of $850 million alongside a two percent equity stake to entice him. However, these claims were quickly dismissed as false. Despite this, Greg Norman admitted there would indeed be interest in bringing McIlroy into the fold.

“LIV never put an offer to him,” Norman clarified in April. “We didn’t need to make a comment about this; it’s just typical white noise that circulates in the industry. But if Rory were willing to sit down and have a conversation with us, would we be happy to engage? One hundred percent—just as we would with any other player interested in joining us.”

He elaborated, “It’s about understanding the facts of what LIV Golf represents and what it can deliver globally. The decision ultimately rests with the player.”

McIlroy’s History of Opposition

Rory McIlroy has been one of the loudest voices opposing LIV Golf since its controversial debut, even as many of his peers accepted lucrative offers to join. His resistance to the series deepened after the announcement of a merger agreement between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf. This contentious development reportedly influenced McIlroy’s decision to resign from the PGA Tour’s policy board last year.

Tension Ahead of ‘The Showdown’

In the lead-up to The Showdown at Shadow Creek Golf Club in Las Vegas, Norman’s interaction with McIlroy’s caddie drew considerable attention. While McIlroy practiced on the range, Norman was seen engaging with his team. The Australian also greeted Scottie Scheffler during his visit, further fueling speculation about LIV Golf’s ongoing efforts to bridge divides within the sport.

What is ‘The Showdown’?

The Showdown is the latest evolution of The Match, a high-profile exhibition series launched by Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson in 2018. This year’s event features a compelling matchup: McIlroy and Scheffler representing the PGA Tour versus LIV Golf’s Brooks Koepka and Bryson DeChambeau.

The competition will span 18 holes and incorporate three distinct formats:

The first six holes will be played as fourballs, where each player plays their own ball, and the best score for each team counts.

The middle six holes will feature foursomes, a format where teammates alternate shots using the same ball.

The final six holes will consist of singles match play, though the exact pairings are yet to be disclosed.

Each segment will carry a point value, with the team winning two out of three segments crowned champions. Additionally, in match-play format, the winner of each hole earns a point for their team.

Prize Money in Cryptocurrency

Thanks to the event’s sponsor, Crypto.com, the prize purse will be paid in CRO token cryptocurrency and is valued at a minimum of $10 million. Beyond this substantial reward, participating players are also set to receive appearance fees, further underscoring the lucrative nature of this high-profile event.

As the dust settles after The Showdown, all eyes remain on McIlroy, Norman, and the future of golf as speculation about potential defections and alliances continues to dominate headlines.