Is the bitter rivalry between LIV Golf Tour and PGA Tour coming to an end?
While the poaching of Jon Rahm by LIV seemed to reignite hostility, Jupiter’s Rory McIlroy, and Palm Beach Gardens’ Greg Norman, the two biggest antagonists in the nearly two-year old feud, have shown signs of reconciliation.
Norman, LIV’s CEO and Commissioner, expressed his gratitude for McIlroy’s “falling on his axe.”
McIlroy admitted recently that he had been “too judgemental” in a podcast hosted Sky Sports.
Norman stated on the LIV Golf podcast, “I have to be honest. I really appreciate what Rory said.” It’s been a difficult couple of years.
“The fact that Rory judged us based on the lack of facts is why I am appreciative to a certain degree. He judged us based on the opinions and thoughts of others. I said, “Hey, thanks Rory.” “This is a turning point in history for everyone.”
This is after Phil Mickelson posted his thoughts about McIlroy’s remarks on X (formerly known as Twitter) early Thursday morning.
Greg Norman and Phil Mickelson at the LIV Golf Bedminster Golf Tournament, held at Trump National Bedminster. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
The Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF), which finances LIV golf, and the PGA Tour are still working to close the “framework contract” that will create a company combining both parties’ commercial interests. PIF is reportedly investing as much as $2 billion into the PGA Tour.
The Tour has extended the negotiation period due to “active and constructive conversations” but set a deadline of December 31 to complete the deal.
McIlroy is a four-time major winner and the No. The No. 2 golfer in world rankings, McIlroy, has likely helped these negotiations by saying that he accepts the fact that LIV has become a part of golf.
McIlroy stated, “I now realize that not everyone is in Tiger or my position.”
Rory McIlroy, of Team Europe, smiles as he chips in on the 8th hole during a 2023 Ryder Cup practice round at Marco Simone Golf Club in Rome, Italy, on September 26, 2023. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images).
What do you do when this offer comes? “We all became professionals to earn a living by playing sports we love and that’s exactly what I’ve realized in the last two years. I can’t condemn people for their decision.”
Rahm has joined LIV Golf in a deal worth reportedly more than $550m including bonuses. McIlroy was a Ryder Cup teammate of Rahm’s during the European Ryder Cup victory in Rome last fall.
McIlroy stated that “Jon Rahm hasn’t gotten any of the heat for going the first guys did.” “It is a clever business move. It’s opportunistic. I think that he knows things will get better.
“If that’s what he wants and he believes that that’s the best decision for him and family, who am I to tell you otherwise at this point?”
Rahm, who is ranked No. Rahm, ranked No.
