19th Hole

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

Published

1 year ago

Nov 11, 2022

Jason Daniels

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

Related: Pat Perez reveals his ‘hatred’ of Phil Mickelson after Lefty committed ‘unforgivable’ act

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’.

Related: Greg Norman aims another subtle dig at Rory McIlroy as feud shows no signs of going away

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”.

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

Published

21 hours ago

Apr 25, 2024

Matt Vincenzi

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.

OWGR Announcement
Read more here – https://t.co/7J4bFpawqv #OWGR #OfficialWorldGolfRanking pic.twitter.com/ZfBJWCFAm8

— OWGR (@OWGRltd) April 25, 2024

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

1 day ago

Apr 25, 2024

Matt Vincenzi

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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19th Hole

Why Ludvig Aberg is my new favorite player – GolfWRXers discuss

Published

2 days ago

Apr 24, 2024

GolfWRX Staff

In our forums, our members have been discussing one of the new sensations in the world of golf – Ludvig Aberg. The 24-year-old finished solo second at the Masters a couple of weeks ago, and gained many plaudits, including from several WRXers.

RELATED: ‘There were a number of red flags’ – Ludvig Aberg reveals why he turned down multiple LIV offers

One member, RoyalMustang, took to the forums to explain why Aberg is now their favorite player, saying:

“I loved the way the Ludvig was out there, having a great time, not taking himself or the situation too seriously. Even after the double at 11, he was like “well, that’s golf!” Loose and relaxed: that’s the way to play. It’s obvious he loves what he’s doing, he loves the big moments, and he loves being a part of it all.

Arnold Palmer was viewed that way. Just like Brooks Robinson was forever viewed as not just a great baseball player, but a great human being and friend to Baltimore.”

And our members have been reacting and sharing their positive takes on the young Swede.

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.

redfirebird08: “Ludvig has a great attitude, a great smile, and a great golf swing.”
otto6457: “I’m very lucky to have talked with Ludde several times at the Rawls Course at Texas Tech. He’s a truly nice guy and very friendly. Always said hello when we passed each other in the club house and was always smiling. Watching him hit balls on the range was a joy. He has “that sound” and trajectory to die for. There were many times he was out on the range in 30+ mph winds just hitting the most beautiful shots that just seemed to ignore the wind. World class ball striker. And yes……..I am a fan boy.”
konklifer: “I like him. In an era of endless waggles and laboring, his swing and pace of play are a joy to watch.

Entire Thread: “Why Ludvig Aberg is my new favorite player – GolfWRXers discuss”

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