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19th Hole

LIV Golf responds after shock report regarding Greg Norman’s future emerges

Published

1 year ago

on

In music terms, LIV Golf is preparing itself for that difficult second album.

After mixed reviews, and an awful lot of lucrative payouts, the Saudi-backed series will resume in 2023 with a program the organizers may tag as, ‘Golf, but even louder’.

With 14 planned events and the threat/promise of more star names jumping ship from the main tours, LIV are also confident of securing a broadcast deal to showcase their $400 million-plus of prize-money.

Two-time major winner and current LIV CEO Greg Norman has been at the forefront of media promotion from the start of even the mere notion of a breakaway tour, and is easily the most recognized face of a series that keeps modesty aside when declaring itself as having “no interest” in talking to the PGA Tour about a truce, as “our product is working.”

However, according to The Telegraph, Saudi chiefs are in talks with Mark King, former CEO of Taylor Made, the man that took the golf brand from a turnover of $263 million to $1.5 billion during his 12 year tenure to take over Norman’s role.

Proven not only at one company, King was also a success as President of Adidas North America, again increasing the company’s turnover by a significant quarter in his final year.

The report suggests that the boardroom at LIV are seeking some return from what has already been an eye-watering financial investment, with the un-named source commenting:

“The Saudis have already committed more than $2 billion to this and clearly want the business plan to be defined and for it all to be seen as rather less chaotic. The fact it has been frenetic is completely understandable as they have had to do everything off the hoof and where they have got to off a standing start–albeit with an open chequebook–is impressive.”

Whilst the source indicates that the ‘plan’ is on course, there is little doubt that King, current CEO of Taco Bell, would be a less polarizing character, and perhaps taken more seriously as the head of a business that sees itself as “another tour among existing tours” within five years.

King has been seen at several recent LIV events and is reported to have spoken with Yasir Al-Rumayyan–Governor of the Saudi Public Investment (PIF) and Chairman of Saudi Aramco, a company heavily involved in women’s golf, a facet that Norman has always said is on LIV’s agenda.

The report, however, has prompted responses from both LIV’s Managing Director Majed Al-Sorour, who told Bob Harig of SI:

“Greg Norman is our CEO and commissioner. Any suggestion that changes are being made to Greg’s title or role is patently false.”

While Norman’s son called the report “BS”.

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19th Hole

LET pro gives detailed financial breakdown of first week on tour…and the net result may shock you

Published

20 hours ago

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Apr 26, 2024

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On Friday morning, Ladies European Tour player, Hannah Gregg, took to social media to share her weekly expenses playing on the LET.

“Expenses of my first week on Ladies European Tour: Flights: $2600 Work Visa: $350 

  • Food: $377 
  • Caddie: $0 because I have an amazing Fiancé 
  • Hotel: $0 because  @GregChalmersPGA sorted me host housing for the week!  
  • Rental Car: +0 because the Tour Tee guys GAVE me their car  
  • Gas: $165 
  • Entry Fee: $130 
  • Lounge Pass for caddie: $50 
  • Gym: $0 
  • Yardage book: $0 
  • Total expenses: $3672 

Made cut, finished 54th, total earned: $1244 Factor in 35% tax on earnings. To break even, needed to finish 24th. To make money, 21st. Guess we have our goals laid out for next event!”

When factoring in Gregg’s free housing, free caddie and free rental car, it’s evident that most LET players would have to finish well inside of the top-20 to make any money.

With ridiculous amounts of money being thrown around in professional golf these days, it’s important to remember the other side of the coin as well. There are countless professionals out there who struggle to get by on their golf salary.

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19th Hole

54-hole golf tour deemed eligible for OWGR points…but it’s not LIV

Published

2 days ago

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Apr 25, 2024

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After a seventeen-month application process, a 54-hole golf tour was deemed eligible for OWGR points.

Unfortunately, for LIV Golf and their fans, it was the Clutch Pro Tour.

After the decision, which is effective immediately, OWGR chairman Peter Dawson issued a statement.

“This is a significant milestone for golf, and OWGR is deeply encouraged by the achievement and the continued efforts in developing the sport of golf in the United Kingdom.”

“We look forward to watching the progress of the Clutch Pro Tour as it continues to play a key role in the development of players from the region,” Dawson added.

The Clutch Pro Tour operates in the United Kingdom and features a 36-hole cut. It also has an open qualifying school.

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19th Hole

Charlie Woods attempting to qualify for spot at 2024 U.S. Open

Published

2 days ago

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Apr 25, 2024

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As first reported by Bob Harig of Sports Illustrated, Charlie Woods will be attempting to qualify for this year’s U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2.

The first stage of qualifying for this year’s tournament will be an 18-hole local event on Thursday, April 25th, in Port St. Lucie, Florida.

There will be 84 players in the field, five of which will reach the 36-hole qualifier that will take place in June.

Earlier this season, Charlie attempted to qualify for the Cognizant Classic, and struggled, shooting an 86.

If the younger Woods is able to qualify, he will tee it up in the same field as his father in a few months at one of the more historic U.S. Open venues.

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