Greg Norman has admitted that LIV Golf are exploring the possibility of hosting an event in Ireland.
Rumours of the controversial Saudi backed tour began to surface when Donald Trump’s son, Eric revealed to the Irish Times that LIV was looking into hosting an event in Trump Doonbeg and Norman has added concrete to the whispers by saying he is targeting a big bucks event in Ireland.
“We are looking to 2025-26,’ 26-’27 and’ 27-’28 now,” Norman told BBC NI. “So the popularity of this has spoken for itself, and so yes, countries like Ireland are passionate golf countries and a passionate destination not only for Americans but for Europeans to go play there.
“I have built golf courses there, which I am very proud of, so from my perspective, of course, we are going to keep all options open.”
It also seems that tensions between Norman and Rory McIlroy have began to ease. McIlroy demanded the Australian ‘exit stage left’ and resign from his post as LIV CEO but the Holywood native softened his stance in March admitting the emergence of LIV drove positive changes within the PGA Tour.
Norman was pleased to see McIlroy take a more measured view on LIV Golf.
“I am glad Rory is starting to maybe see the light a little bit,” Norman said. “I am glad Rory has recognised that LIV really truly identified how antiquated the PGA Tour was. I am glad Rory is recognising LIV has been a leader in getting the PGA Tour to try and follow us. Why have we done that? Because of the players.”
LIV Golf’s Graeme McDowell admits there would have to be a mood change if a LIV Golf event were to come to Irish shores.
“First of all, the market has to want it; the fans have to want it,” McDowell said. “I think this is a truly global tour, and we can take these events anywhere in the world. Would I like to play a LIV event in Ireland? Of course, I would. But I think there are a lot of things that have to happen between now and then.”
Leave a comment