You Won’t Believe What Rory McIlroy Said About Greg Norman and His Replacement

Rory McIlroy did not have many good things to say about LIV Golf until recently.

But when CEO Greg Norman was replaced yesterday by Scott O’Neil, McIlroy was one of the first to comment on the change, and what he said might be pretty shocking.

McIlroy on Norman’s Departure

McIlroy actually commended Norman for his work with LIV, saying he is “probably one of the only guys” who could have gotten the controversial league kicked off and gaining some momentum (via Golfweek):

“Greg took a lot of flack the first couple of years. He is probably one of the only guys in golf who could have taken on that role. He got it off the ground, and you have to commend him for that. Now it’s time for someone with a bit more experience to take over.”

On Scott O’Neil, LIV’s New CEO

O’Neil was given the role of LIV Golf CEO just yesterday. He’s already making an impact as LIV signed a TV deal with FOX and made it official today.

McIlroy commented on O’Neil’s new role:

“I saw Scott was confirmed. Scott was at our Showdown match in Vegas and obviously Greg was as well. Then Scott was at the first night of TGL. He has an amazing track record with what he has done in sports, in terms of managing teams and groups of teams, ownership groups. He has got the right credentials to take over a sports league. I think for LIV it is probably a good move now they are established.”

On LIV Golf’s Future in the Sport

It is no secret LIV has struggled in its first few years. However, the PGA TOUR has not had a smooth path either for some time as it is navigating things like declining ratings and less interest from fans.

McIlroy admitted they will be around for some time:

“I honestly don’t know what the future holds for them but the move they are making, especially from an executive standpoint, it doesn’t look like they are going to go away anytime soon.”

Cryptically, it sounds like McIlroy is hoping to get a deal done with the PIF so that LIV Golf can have some sort of real relationship with the PGA TOUR.

Cover Image via Golf Magazine