Open in App
  • Local
  • Headlines
  • Election
  • Sports
  • Lifestyle
  • Education
  • Real Estate
  • Newsletter
  • Irish Star

    LIV Golf's Greg Norman eyes further acquisitions with two PGA Tour icons targeted

    By Daniel Blackham & John O'sullivan,

    2024-09-09
    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=4BxUFV_0vPtYz0900

    The Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund-backed LIV Golf is expected to continue its lavish expenditure in golf's off-season , following last year's high-profile acquisitions of Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton.

    As the 2025 season approaches, with its first four events set to coincide with some of the PGA Tour's significant early tournaments, the Rebel League looks set to maintain its big spending . The ongoing rift in the golfing world shows no signs of abating.

    LIV CEO Greg Norman has recently declared that the league is here for the long haul, amid rumors that it will keep adding to its roster of marquee players . Two major figures are reportedly in the sights of the Saudi PIF.

    One such player is Hideki Matsuyama, who has been openly targeted by Norman for recruitment. The ex-Masters winner is a global golf icon and a massive draw in Japan.

    It's been hinted that while the PGA Tour may not promote him extensively for American events, he is the most prominent figure on the Tour for Asian publicity. Speculation is rife that Matsuyama could be offered one of the most lucrative contracts in LIV Golf history, especially when considering the $600 million deal handed to Rahm, reports the Mirror US .

    Earlier this year, Norman made no secret of his ambition to sign top talent, candidly stating: "I'll give you another example. We've been trying to get Hideki Matsuyama."

    "I don't mind admitting that. When Hideki won in LA, what's the first thing I did? I said, 'Congratulations, Hideki. I'm proud of you, mate'."

    If Norman is eager to make an impression, he may consider courting former world No.1 Viktor Hovland. Despite being at the pinnacle of global golf, Hovland's 2024 was marred by problems with his swing coach.

    Hovland has made it known that he instructed his manager to initiate talks with LIV Golf to see what they might offer. With the difficulties he faced over the year, LIV might be optimally positioned if those discussions are ongoing.

    As the PGA Tour and Saudi PIF work towards a provisional consensus, golf appears to be edging away from its contentious phase. Popular victories like Bryson DeChambeau's at the US Open and Jon Rahm's on the LIV circuit hint at a bright trajectory for players in the breakaway league.

    Furthermore, should the consolidation occur, we could be witnessing the prelude to a harmonious future for golf by next year.

    For the latest local news and features on Irish America, visit our homepage here

    Expand All
    Comments / 2
    Add a Comment
    the tooth
    09-09
    Who cares. They make to much
    Insanity
    09-09
    😂
    View all comments
    YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
    Local News newsLocal News

    Comments / 0