Amidst $3B Merger Drama, Greg Norman’s LIV Golf Gets Embroiled in Another Big Storm, Courtesy of High-Profile Exit

Since late 2021, LIV Golf has been making headlines in the sport. The new series has witnessed controversy after controversy, as well as backlash from both players and the public. While many expected the $3 billion merger between the PGATour and LIV merger would change that, it seems far from the truth! After all, Greg Norman’s League has suffered another blow!

Amid the chaos of the multi-billion-dollar merger, LIV now witnesses a new elimination from its squad, and the internet is finding it hard to understand what just happened. Just like déjà vu, it seems like the Saudi-backed league has once again left the public thinking, ‘What just happened?’ with the news.

Greg Norman and LIV Golf see a sudden exit from their ranks

In a recent Instagram post, Golf Digest shared a picture captioned, “Senior official removed at LIV Golf.” The photo further shed light on the context with the words, “The removal is among several high-profile exits from LIV leadership over the past year.”

The senior official in question is the firmer chief events officer, Ron Cross. Greg Norman, the CEO, was the first to announce Cross’s responsibilities towards the league while hiring him. He used to help LIV run events and manage security scenarios. The removal, though, came abruptly to both Cross and the golf community.

Sports Illustrated first confirmed the news, and Cross added a statement. He claimed that he was thankful for the opportunity to be associated with LIV Golf’s inception. “While surprised by the change in direction at this time, I remain incredibly proud of the job being done by my Event Delivery Colleagues, LIV Golf team members, the players, caddies, venue, and vendor partners to make LIV Golf a tremendous experience, and wish them all the best for continued success,” he stated.

Before joining LIV, Cross used to assist with the PGA Tour and Augusta National. But he had been loyal to the Saudi-backed circuit ever since it emerged, and he joined hands with Norman. The news of his exit was undoubtedly quite sudden, and with the merger at its peak, it leaves many questions unanswered.

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Surprisingly, however, Cross wasn’t LIV’s only recent departure when it came to leadership. Many other high-profile exits have taken place among the new series’ ranks recently!

A recap of major changes and departures from LIV

Earlier this January, LIV Golf managing director and Golf Saudi CEO Majed Al Sorour transitioned from his duties. And prior to him, Atul Khosla, working as a chief operating officer, also left. Khosla was the voice of reason in the LIV circuit, and Al Sorour was the second in command in the league. The people who are leaving were once responsible for forming the core of the Saudi-backed league.

Another addition to this list of names is Matt Goldman, the president of LIV, who left following the franchise’s first year. The exits and removals seem to be in line with the PGA Tour’s agreement with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund. The leagues are planning to form a non-profit entity in collaboration with LIV.

Even though LIV CEO Greg Norman continues to promise that the league will return in 2024, the exits and removals do leave fans questioning the authenticity of his claims! Are you among those fans? Let us know in the comments below!

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