‘He was so impressed’ – LIV Golf boss Greg Norman reveals he’s held talks with ‘top PGA Tour player in his house’

LIV Golf boss Greg Norman has admitted to having talks with a PGA Tour star in his own home.

LIV Golf is constantly looking for top golfers to expand its project, last year signing 2023 Masters champion Jon Rahm in a huge coup that saw him earn more than Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi .

But Norman, who is CEO of Saudi-based golf league LIV, admitted to speaking with one of the PGA Tour’s “best” players.

Despite revealing he was ultimately turned down, the 69-year-old is confident other big names will switch allegiances in the coming months.

Speaking ahead of the LIV event in Adelaide, Norman said: “It’s about understanding the facts about what LIV stands for and what LIV can offer on a global scale. It’s up to you to determine that.

“I sat with one of the best players on the PGA Tour in his house with another member of my team, through the whole process, and he was very impressed.

“He said, ‘Well, that’s not what we’re told in the locker room. That’s really impressive.’

“But he made the decision, he spoke to me about it two days later and said: ‘I decided to stay where I am’. I said: happy days. You took a decision on facts.

“If you’re happier here, fine, stay here. Your door is always open; if you want to come back and have a conversation with us, that’s my pleasure.”

Speculation has been growing recently as to whether Rory McIlroy, who has widely criticized LIV over the years, could make the move.

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However, Norman shut down those rumors but insisted there were plenty more fish in the sea for “the shark” to bite into.

He added: “Look, I will make the comment if you look back on this period of ongoing dialogue, there has not been a single comment on LIV.

“LIV never made him an offer. We didn’t need to comment on that.

“It’s just typical industry white noise.

“If Rory was willing to sit down and have a conversation with us, would we be happy to sit down with him? 100%, like any other player who would be interested in coming and playing with us.”

Norman also said LIV is ready to move to the traditional 72-hole format.

LIV has focused much of its identity around number 54, but expanding its tournaments would likely strengthen its claim to world ranking points and gain legitimacy.

Norman said: “I think from LIV’s point of view we are very open-minded about the move to 72 holes. But you have to understand that there is an economic impact to turning on the television for 72 holes.

“It’s a great conversation to have. We will continue this conversation in the future.

“But we sit down and say: What value do we have in broadcasting television on Thursday? Now how can we build the future? How to attract more people to the golf course? Maybe it’s Thursday and you allow 30,000 more people to come on a Thursday.