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Greg Norman Identifies the Masters Champion He Wants to Lure to LIV Golf

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2 years ago

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LIV Golf CEO Greg Norman has brought several big names and major champions over to the circuit that is in its third year of competition.

After securing 2023 Masters winner Jon Rahm this past offseason, Norman has two key stars from Spain in Rahm and Sergio Garcia. LIV is also home to popular Australian Cameron Smith, several English golfers, and, of course, many well-known Americans, including Phil Mickelson, Brooks Koepka, and Bryson DeChambeau.

But in an interview with Australian Golf Digest, Norman said there is one name – and a key demographic – that has been elusive. 

Norman said:

“We’ve been trying to get Hideki Matsuyama [to LIV Golf]. I don’t mind admitting that.”

Matsuyama, the winner of the 2021 Masters, just snapped a losing streak of two-plus years with a victory in last week’s Genesis Invitational. 

Norman said he texted Hideki right after his win:

“When Hideki won in LA, what’s the first thing I did? I said, ‘Congratulations, Hideki. I’m proud of you mate.”

Matsuyama was in the rumor mill as a LIV target during the offseason between the 2022 and ‘23 seasons. Dan Rappaport reported he was offered in the range of $300-$400 million. He addressed the speculation before a tournament in Japan.

“I’m fully committed to the PGA Tour. I’m a member of the PGA Tour,” Matsuyama said at the time. “The players who left did so because they thought it was the right thing to do. So I can’t say anything about them. I am playing on the PGA Tour, and I want to continue doing my best.”

The product of Japan’s win at Riviera was his ninth victory on the PGA Tour, breaking a tie with K.J. Choi for most wins by an Asian-born golfer on the circuit.

Cover Image via the Florida Times Union

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Chris has worked in sports journalism for nearly 20 years and also loves the game of golf, even though it often doesn't love him back. Year-round golf is a perk of living in Florida, where Chris moved from his native New York shortly after graduating from college. Chris has played some famous courses in the state, including Bay Hill in Orlando and Innisbrook in the Tampa Bay area, and next on his to-do list is the Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass to take a crack at the famous island hole.

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