NAPLES FLA. — He isn’t the most controversial figure in golf, but he was at the 34-year-old event that he started. His fingerprints are still all over the course.
The QBE Shootout at Tiburon Golf Club was formerly known as Shark Shootout. Greg Norman, also known as Great White Shark, was forced to resign due to his involvement in the controversial LIV Golf Series. Norman claimed he was not invited, but Rob Hartman, the tournament director, said that it was a collaborative decision and involved discussions with Norman.
But that doesn’t mean Norman is gone. With a course that he created and named after him, this will never happen.
Tiburon in Spanish means “shark”. The logo of the course features a shark fin, and the grandstands that overlook the 18th green are still called Shootout Shark Club.
Nearly everything on the property was a tribute to Norman.
Steve Stricker said, “To have him not around is kinda a strange deal.” “But, understand the reality of the situation and how polarized these entities are against one another.”
Norman is the CEO at LIV Golf, a breakaway league that was backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund. After several Tour players left the Tour to join LIV, LIV and PGA Tour became bitter rivals. The result has been a lot rhetoric, name calling, lawsuits, and court battles.
Norman, who lives in Palm Beach Gardens (Florida), clearly has a long-standing vendetta against the PGA Tour. LIV Golf was much more than just “growing the game” when it was created by the Saudis.
Norman was not allowed to participate in a tournament sanctioned PGA Tour. Ironically, the QBE Shootout will be the closest to a LIV format you’ll find on the PGA Tour. The 54-hole tournament (or LIV holes), features a 12-person team format and a 12-hole playoff. LIV events are made up of 12 four-man teams.
Hartman stated that he and his corporate partners sat down with Hartman months and months back. “We had many discussions. Greg decided to take a step back to allow us to focus on our charitable partners.
Na, the champion defender of Kokrak, also out
Norman’s isn’t the only serious omission. After joining LIV, defending champions Jason Kokrak (and Kevin Na) are not eligible for any PGA sanctioned event.
There are 24 participants. It is no surprise Norman isn’t there. LIV dominated the sports headlines this year, particularly its fight with the PGA Tour. It was ugly.
Matt Kuchar stated that he understood the outcome and how it would end. It’s been a little messy, at times, with the division between the PGA Tour tour and the LIV tour. There are some stubborn people out there.
Kuchar said, “It’s shame.” Kuchar said, “What he did is amazing. His legacy will be remembered. Greg will be remembered as the person who initiated this.”
Stricker is currently playing in his 14th shootout. He stated that he doesn’t believe he can play on the LIV tour “morally”. He said that he was the 55-year old Stricker speaking, and not someone who was being offered “a crapload” of money during his prime. He said that if such a thing happened, he wasn’t sure what he would do.
Stricker stated, “It’s just strange time in golf generally.” “Greg has been a fixture at this event.
“It makes me sad to see these groups fighting in a sport that we are gentlemen. We’re supposed to get along.” They should find a solution.
Thompson still holds Norman in high regard
Lexi Thompson, who resides in Delray Beach in Florida, is one among two women working in this field. 2 Nelly Korda. Thompson, No. Thompson, No. 7 in the world is back for the sixth year. Annika Sorenstam, 2006, was the only woman who participated in the event.
Thompson stated that she didn’t know what to expect. It’s been a wild ride with everything that’s happened and all the other things going on. The tournament would be great with or without Norman.
“Greg’s great. He has done incredible things for golf. It’s certainly a bit different.
Norman made a statement via social media in September. It was then announced that Norman would not be attending. He continued to defend the position with LIV.
He wrote, “I was asked not to attend.” “Why is that?” you might wonder. It could be because I am giving golf a new heartbeat by creating new value and delivering new products that are loved by fans, players, and broadcasters.
He said that he was “finally giving players the rights of independent contractors” and that the evolution and innovation of professional golf products has been needed for many decades.
Norman’s involvement in the tournament, which has been as much part of his golf legacy as any other he’s played in, is in serious jeopardy.
Kuchar believes that the two leagues will one day align. He said, “100 percent, there is no doubt,” but it seems highly unlikely.
If that is true, then Norman’s work with the shootout, and the money raised (more than $15 million for charity), cannot be ignored.
