News
Report claims that Greg Norman is set to be dropped by Saudi-backed LIV Golf
Greg Norman has had a headline making year, with the Australian spearheading the controversial Saudi-backed LIV Golf Series and even attempting, and failing, to get a special exemption to compete in the 2022 Open Championship.
The two-time major winner has most recently received a barrage of criticism for comments where he seemingly attempted to play down the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi – who was was killed by Saudi agents in Istanbul in 2018.
Speaking at a LIV Golf press conference last week, Norman stated:
“From what I heard and what you guys reported just take ownership of what it is. Take ownership no matter what it is. Look, we’ve all made mistakes, and you just want to learn from those mistakes and how you can correct them going forward.”
Those comments were slammed by many, including Jamal Khashoggi’s fiancée Hatice Cengiz, who branded the 67-year-old’s words as “so hurtful” in response.
Now, the Australian’s chaotic tenure as the frontman for LIV Golf may well be coming to an end, according to a report from the man who blew the whistle on Phil Mickelson’s bombshell Saudi comments that sent the 2021 PGA Champ into an ongoing exile.
Alan Shipnuck, whose unauthorised biography on Mickelson is released this week, has claimed that a Tour agent has told him that Norman’s days are numbered with the Saudi-backed group.
In a recent Q&A on The Fire Pit Collective, Shipnuck made the claim, while musing that the potential departure of Norman may well have factored into Mickelson’s decision to pass on defending his title this week at Southern Hills:
“A prominent Tour agent recently confided that he is hearing Norman is on the outs with the Saudis, which would be another wild development in this saga.
If a leadership change is imminent with LIV Golf, that would be all the more reason for Mickelson to pass on the PGA Championship and take more time to assess a chaotic situation.”
In a separate piece on The Fire Pit Collection, Michael Bamberger revealed that Jack Nicklaus had been targeted to undertake the role that Norman has been doing, but that the Golden Bear twice turned down the lucrative offer:
“I was offered something in excess of $100 million by the Saudis, to do the job probably similar to the one that Greg is doing,” Nicklaus said per the article. “I turned it down. Once verbally, once in writing. I said ‘Guys, I have to stay with the PGA Tour. I helped start the PGA Tour.'”
The opening event of the LIV Golf Invitational Series is scheduled to take place at Centurion, near London, next month. It remains to be seen if Norman will still be in charge by then.
In our forums, one user is wondering how many birdies other players have had in a round while still failing to break par. @Lalan45, unfortunately, asked the question after a unique experience of their own.
They wrote:
“Today I managed 8 birdies but still shot even par, could have been a round to remember! What’s the most birdies you’ve made in a round and still didn’t break par?”
Our members in the forum shared their own experiences with successful rounds that still resulted in a score over par. Here are a few posts from the thread, but make sure to check out the entire discussion and have your say at the link below.
- kwcsports: “I’ve had 5 a few times, still shot 80+ haha.”
- jda: “I played a course for the first time, had 8 birdies, 9 doubles and an eagle. The infamous no-par round. I kept the scorecard. Every shot had a creek that I did not know about, or I was within 8-10 feet for a birdie look. To this day, I have no idea if I should be really jacked up or mad about that performance.”
- jvincent: “I think my record is either 5 or 6. Probably shot 75.”
- Instron4204: “3 birdies and shot a 92…man I suck!”
In our forums, one user is asking for thoughts on the best stock shafts offered in 2026. Stock shafts are the shafts included with a club when it’s purchased from retailers or OEMs.
@DTorres asked:
The last couple years has seen a lot of updates and additions to no upcharge stock shafts, which do you think is the best offering in 2026?
Im a bit of a shaft nerd and recently during my Members Testing with the Callaway Quantum Triple Diamond I found the updated Project X Denali Frost Black to be a fantastic stock shaft. I absolutely did not mesh well with the original Denali. Just curious what other people think are the current best Stock shaft offerings out with new models and stock Ventus options and LinQ options popping up here and there.
We were given the option for any stock shafts for our members review. I went with the 70g Black Frost 6.5 because it’s a shaft I don’t have, it’s an updated version of the original Denali and hear little about. I typically use a Diamana WB, GD VF or a HOF Raptor. I’m not saying it was neck and neck with any of those but it was a pleasant surprise I’m not accustomed to in stock shaft offerings.
Our members in the forum have been offering up their own thoughts on the best stock shafts available in 2026. Here are a few posts from the thread, but make sure to check out the entire discussion and have your say at the link below.
- rsballer10: “IMO – MCA Ka’ili White Darkwave, Tensei 1k Black/white, UST Lin-Q White. People are free to spend their money however they see fit, but for me personally the shaft catalogs these days have enough options that I don’t see the value of a $400 upcharge. I have never had a problem finding a no upcharge shaft that fits the bend profile and weight that I need. Whether the paint job is good enough or not is above my pay scale.”
- bcflyguy1: “Project X Titan Black. I’ve had one in 60TX in my Quantum TD Max for several weeks now. Have to give Titlieist their flowers for finding a way to make it available as a featured option; very shrewd bit of business and one that I suspect will be duplicated by the other companies. TT/PX have a certified banger on their hands with Titan.”
- CTG77: “Undoubtedly, it’s the Tensei 1K RIP shafts from Titleist. The Tensei line gives about 98% of the performance of a Ventus VeloCore+ shaft at a tiny fraction of the cost if you’re looking for a blue or red profile. The white is not an exact match for Ventus Black, but it’s closer to it than the non-VeloCore+ Ventus shafts that come from Callaway or formerly came from TaylorMade.”
A reminder from your friends at GolfWRX: Father’s Day is June 21. And as we do every year, we’re rounding up the best gifts for dad.
As we say every year, there’s no better golf-related Father’s Day gift than a round of golf with pops. Be it a country club or your favorite muni, take the time to get together to play 18 if you can.
Let’s get to the gifts.
Ghost Golf Qualifier Diamond Polo
We like the new polos that Ghost is offering, as the fabric and fit are so good. These new Qualifier Collection polos breathe well, are lightweight, stretch with your swing, and of course look great. You can wear them on the course, in the office, or just out at a casual event and they will fit right in.
STR8-Strip Grip Tape Remover
If your dad is an equipment aficionado and tinkers with his clubs, this tool works wonders. Removing grip tape has never been easier, just put a little head on the tape and the STR8-Strip peals it right off the shaft without any damage.
Why Golf: Putting Thing
When it comes to practice, it is good to have a purpose. This “Putting Thing” sure does it. We know from personal experience how challenging it can be and how rewarding it is on the practice green. This also provides some competition for your kiddo to see who will unload the dishwasher or do the next chore around the house.
OluKai Lae‘ahi Men’s Breathable Slip-On Shoes
Riding to and from the course in style and comfort is always a good thing. If you’re in a hurry, it’s a nice feature to slide into your shoes and get to the tee time. For the post-game shoe, at your locker or while putting your clubs away in the car. Nice to slide into a shoe that looks good anywhere. Pair that with meeting the family for dinner, no need to change!
Therabody Theragun Relief
A little wellness goes a long way. Keeping loose is a good way to go when it comes to the weekend game or treatment during the week. If there is a little ache or pain, the Theragun is there to help out. Help loosen up the back for a pre-game warm-up or cool-down.
World Cup golf apparel
Something for the soccer dads. Embrace the World Cup fever this summer on the course with custom gear to support the nation of your choice.
FootJoy Pro SL spikeless golf shoes
Give the old man a break and save his feet with the Footjoy Pro SL Men’s Spikeless Golf Shoes for some added comfort on the course.
Bushnell Wingman 2 GPS speaker
Combine all the hits as well as some game improvement with the Wingman 2 Golf GPS Speaker by getting audible distance readings from 38,000+ courses worldwide through the Wingman 2 remote or speaker.
Personalized Titleist Pro V1 golf balls
The No. 1 ball in golf is a safe bet, and the Pro V1 fits the largest chunk of the bell curve if you don’t know what ball pops plays. Add personalization for a, well, personal touch!
- GolfWRX may earn a commission for purchases made through links on this page, at no extra cost to you.
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Pingback: Report: LIV COO resigned from role following heated argument – GolfWRX
geohogan
May 18, 2022 at 4:30 pm
Jack Nicklaus once again demonstrates why he is the G.O.A.T.
Most majors, most runnerups in majors and character to back it up.
JP
May 18, 2022 at 5:15 pm
But he’s been working for the Saudis……
JoAnn
Aug 4, 2022 at 2:02 pm
Greg Norman thinks he’s King of LIV.
He’s a A##hole. NOT letting in Daly, and I’m done buying anything that has the SHARK on it !!!
benseattle
May 18, 2022 at 3:15 pm
If true, good riddance. For some thirty years, Greg Norman has preened before the world….all the while continuing to harbor a seething grudge against the PGA Tour. His seedy association with the Saudi fund isn’t designed to “grow the game” but is, instead, a vehicle intending to use massive Middle East oil money to lure clueless and/or naïve and/or uncaring golfers whose main concern is not about history but Cash Only. And, to be sure, they’ll get a few. Poaching PGA Tour players to compete in LIV Golf events will only serve to weaken the U.S. tournaments so why would commissioner Jay Monahan give them free rein to go and then come back? NOBODY is stopping any golfer to join the LIV tour but the bylaws — that they agreed to — stipulate that the door only swings one way. And while on the subject, what about the dozens of charities that could be devastated if LIV Golf is successful in siphoning off top players? Norman’s backers have no charity component; it’s all about stuffing dollars bills into the pockets of athletes with the sole intention of using sport as a cover for their various human rights abuses. You thought Norman’s 1996 Masters was bad? How about the humiliation if he’s deemed too toxic for the Saudi regime?
geohogan
May 20, 2022 at 3:12 pm
Narcissist Norman, was the “bait and switch” front man for MBS.
Tom Kay
May 18, 2022 at 1:16 pm
Greg has always been wound up tight. Ego is not your amigo.
Mrgeek33
May 18, 2022 at 11:07 am
I don’t care how much money they throw at it… I give it a year and it’ll be gone. Just like pretty much every other league that tries to compete with the Major leagues. XFL type of thing. There’s just not enough competition especially when you only have 16 of the top 100 players. Most of whom are washed up or at the end of their careers. Who wants to watch that?
Dave
May 18, 2022 at 9:28 am
Greg Norman, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus, and Phil Mickelson are scum. Bunch of racist, disgusting fools who have no place in golf. The PGA has to remove these idiots from all the history books and venues.
Such a dark day for the PGA to have these racist disgusting old pieces of garbage as part of their history.
I hope all countries ban them from playing in any tournament.
geohogan
May 24, 2022 at 11:24 am
Next slave owner George Washington and Thomas Jefferson.
America was build by genocide (50+ million indigenous people of Western hemisphere) and slavery. Understand you would want to selectively erase history.
Thomas Woodward
Jul 27, 2022 at 8:39 pm
WOW Dave, you’ve really flew off the handle with those statements. Are you an indoctro-procto syndrome suffer and mom and dad are going to banish you from the basement, or did you just find out ANTIFA is not going to give you a field commander position so you can quite your fry-cook job at Mc D’s? Either way, YOU GOT problems between the ears…
Michael
May 18, 2022 at 9:19 am
What goes around comes around. Couldn’t happen to a nicer guy.
The boy king and his cohorts are getting what they deserve – embarrassment and ridicule – for hiring a clown with an ego bigger than their oil output.
I wonder if Bin Salaman or whatever the correct spelling is, will have someone whacked like they did with Kashoggi’s killers in order to try and have plausible denial for his screw up. Yet another one in a long line since this guy convinced the King tomato him the heir and CEO
White Hall
May 18, 2022 at 12:12 am
LIV it up homeboy!
Chismgism
May 17, 2022 at 9:32 pm
Gas shortage, baby formula shortage, food shortage… all caused by a leadership shortage. High prices, high taxes, high crime, high world tensions… all caused by His highness lyin Joe Biden.
geohogan
May 20, 2022 at 3:16 pm
dont forget covid 19, climate change, melting arctic, full moon,
monkey pox and your dogs itchy balls
Bob
May 17, 2022 at 5:56 pm
I heard Gary Player is an easy sellout who will do it for 50 million.
John mac
May 17, 2022 at 4:37 pm
But somehow, it,s ok to send billions of dollars worth of golf equipment, I mean weapons? MAGA double standard, me thinks.
Oldlefty70
May 17, 2022 at 5:46 pm
I don’t believe you do any real critical thinking…you must be a Biden zombie using this article about Greg Norman to take a mindless jab at Trump and the MAGA crowd!! Your man Joe embraced and approved of the Beijing Olympics….and you are o.k. with that…and you think corrupt dementia Joe is pure as the driven snow!!?
Bob
May 17, 2022 at 6:00 pm
How many wars did Trump start during his 4 years? How many did he even incite?
That’s what I thought. Get that TDS checked.
Trump is not in their Big Club. That’s why no war and no MIC welfare. Get yourself ready for the draft for Ukr so the Quid Pro Big Guy can get his 10 and keep himself and his junkie son out of jail.
AnnoyedWithYourDumbAss
May 17, 2022 at 7:24 pm
JFC you’re a fking idiot. Trump incited rebellion on his own government, used the National Guard on peaceful protestors while he cowered like a bitch in a bunker, taunted PDRK mercilessly, caused China to threaten the immediate calling on massive debts due to huge tariffs then further incited with “China virus” comments. You just ball wash Trump so much and suck up to Fox News blowhards that you’ve turned into a sheep.
Arthur Jones
Aug 9, 2022 at 1:02 pm
You’re entitled to your own idiocy but not your own facts. You don’t incite a rebellion by asking people to go home. All your cringeworthy criticisms are based on methods. You invective is devoid of substance. He taunted North Korea? what became of that? Oh right, Nothing. Retaliatory tariffs? Yes, it’s called a trade war but in fairness, I wouldn’t expect a braindead troglodyte like you to understand strategic macroeconomics. The greatest irony in your post is calling other people sheep right after regurgitating corporate media’s propaganda conflating a protest with an insurrection. The definition of a useful idiot.
JP
May 18, 2022 at 5:17 pm
Exactly. The red hat brigade pick and chose without reason because they ain’t smart enough to reason.
John
Aug 5, 2022 at 1:43 pm
That should be ‘picked and chose’. You shouldn’t be telling anyone they aren’t smart.
Drkviol801
May 20, 2022 at 5:23 am
TRUMPS FAULT FOR GAS PRICES, #SLAVAUKRAINA BLACK LIVES MATTER , LIBS LOVE KILLING BABIES !
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Glenn
May 17, 2022 at 2:45 pm
Let them play there. No reason they have to let them play on the PGA tour, their choice
Pingback: Report claims that Greg Norman is set to be dropped by Saudi-backed LIV Golf - PostoLink
Brain Damage
May 17, 2022 at 1:26 pm
It seems incredibly petty that golfers who belong to the PGA or the European tour are not being allowed (released) to play in this league. This is not the NBA, MLB, or NFL. This is freaking golf. These golfers are like independent contractors. If they want to go play in XYZ League or tournament they should be more than allowed to do as they please. Absolutely ridiculous. .
Jack
May 17, 2022 at 7:01 pm
You got the independent bit correct, yet ignored the contractor bit. Everyone on the PGA signs a contract of exclusivity to the PGA tour, if the PGA says you don’t get permission that’s the risk a player MUST accept by signing the contract. Permission has never been given for any event taking place in USA.
PGA isn’t banning them either, just means you can’t play on the PGA if you go to LIV.
ZFG
May 18, 2022 at 9:48 am
so where does “the match” phil vs tiger for $10M (not charity) fall under your permission slip rule? pretty sure that wasn’t a sanctioned pga tour event…
p.s i’d be willing to bet anything you can get or borrow that if tiger played in a LIV event he would still be welcomed to play any event he chooses on the pga tour… disagree?
Kevin Ricciardelli
May 18, 2022 at 11:22 am
Just like Brittney Griner?
Jeff Patterson
May 18, 2022 at 1:41 pm
No one is stopping them from playing wherever they want , they just saying you can’t come back to the Tour that you seem to despise and can’t wait to leave . So what’s the problem ?
JP
May 18, 2022 at 5:20 pm
Independent contractors ?
Imagine an independent contractor working for two competing IT firms in the same space at the same time. That’d be interesting.
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