Masters: LIV Golf is coming for all the majors, with Greg Norman cheering them on — invited or not
As golfers and fans gathered at Augusta National, a familiar figure strode through the crowd, unmistakably Greg Norman, his iconic straw hat adorned with the shark logo. Yet, Norman’s presence outside the ropes underscored a deeper irony: on a day when legends like Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson called for unity in golf, Norman, a…
As golfers and fans gathered at Augusta National, a familiar figure strode through the crowd, unmistakably Greg Norman, his iconic straw hat adorned with the shark logo. Yet, Norman’s presence outside the ropes underscored a deeper irony: on a day when legends like Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson called for unity in golf, Norman, a pivotal figure in the sport’s schism, walked amidst the patrons.
Unable to secure a badge from Augusta National itself, Norman had to resort to the secondary market, raising questions about anonymity for the seller. The three-time near-miss at the Masters invites contemplation on how golf’s narrative might have shifted had Norman donned the coveted green jacket.
However, reality paints a different picture. Golf finds itself fractured, with champions straddling the divide. Norman, now the CEO of LIV Golf, witnessed defending champion Jon Rahm navigate Augusta’s challenges, rallying support for his LIV charges akin to a Ryder Cup captain.
Ahead of Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, another LIV player, fulfilled his promise by seizing the clubhouse lead with a remarkable 7-under 65. DeChambeau’s acknowledgment of Norman’s presence as a testament to his commitment to the game highlights the complex sentiments surrounding LIV Golf’s emergence.
LIV Golf burst onto the scene in 2022, backed by Saudi Arabia’s financial might, luring PGA Tour stalwarts like DeChambeau, Phil Mickelson, and Dustin Johnson. What ensued was a legal tug-of-war and financial showdown between the two tours, culminating in a tentative “framework agreement” that ultimately fizzled out.
While both sides bolstered their financial arsenals, the essence of the game hung in the balance. Golf’s premier showdowns now occur only during the majors, with the prospect of more unity seeming distant.
As the Masters unfolds, LIV Golf’s presence looms large, boasting reigning major champions and a formidable lineup. DeChambeau’s scintillating Day 1 performance positions him as a prime contender, embodying LIV’s potential to reshape golf’s landscape.
In the midst of this divide, Norman’s unwavering support for LIV signals a paradigm shift, regardless of his standing at Augusta. Whether LIV or the established order prevails, Norman’s presence serves as a poignant reminder of golf’s evolving narrative, shaped by ambition, rivalry, and the quest for greatness.
