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via Imago

via Imago

The $3-billion merger that unfolded last month divulged the news that stirred chaos in the golf world. While it painted a picture of the coalition between the LIV Golf and the PGA Tour, many questions were left unanswered regarding the former. This was especially true when reports unveiled Yasir Al-Rumayyan and Jay Monahan’s names at the forefront of the new golf cooperation. No mention of LIV Golf CEO Greg Norman was made concerning the same.

However, the question marks that surround Norman’s position anent the new united golf entity haven’t employed any shift in the loyalty of the LIV golfers regarding the LIV CEO. In fact, the recent press conference of Cameron Smith presents proof of the same. The Australian golfer reflected on the Shark’s role in the LIV league and presented his opinion about his authority.

Cameron Smith takes Greg Norman’s side and earnestly supports the role he plays in LIV Golf

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On Monday, as the defending champion of the Open Championship sat down for the pre-tournament press conference, he encountered a question with regard to the LIV CEO, Greg Norman. Cameron Smith was asked if he would like to see the two-time Open Champion carry on as the LIV’s commissioner.

The Aussie golfer did not think twice before taking Norman’s side. He said, “Personally I think he’s doing a great job for our tour. He’s looking out for our best interests. That’s all you can ask of a guy that’s running the show. I’d love to see him keep on [as LIV commissioner].” He opened the statement by mentioning how the two have formed a nice friendship over the past few months.

Undoubtedly, the former professional golfer has earnestly supported the Saudi-backed league. His loyalty toward LIV Golf has never staggered and despite the backlash he faced, the CEO stood firm.

ALSO READ: Following the Flash Mob in London, Greg Norman’s Son Unveils ‘Big Announcement’ for LIV Golf, Weeks Before $25,000,000 Greenbrier Event

Although, it still doesn’t answer how the 68-year-old will be associated with the new entity, as a result of the 3-billion merger. Moreover, the recent updates haven’t really appeared to be favoring the LIV CEO.

Has Greg Norman been sidelined by the new merger?

Since the day the merger between the PIF, the PGA Tour, and the DP World Tour was announced, Greg Norman’s name has been relatively absent from the grounds of the coalition. This gave way to many questions surrounding the CEO’s position with regard to the new entity. And as per the updates that have been made public, things don’t look good for him.

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According to the latest Senate Investigation, among varied findings, one of the astonishing proposals from the PGA Tour’s side was to release Norman from his position. As a matter of fact, one of the tweets from Nuclr Golf quoted Senator Richard Blumenthal which proved to be stunning. It disclosed how Greg Norman, as a consequence of a side arrangement to the merger, will be fired.

via Reuters

Not only this, earlier last month, the 973-word memo sent by Jay Monahan revealed the players did not once mention Greg Norman. Apart from him, varied roles of other entities were defined in the letter.

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Also, the CNBC interview attended by the PIF governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan only witnessed him accompanied by the PGA Tour Commissioner, Jay Monahan. The LIV CEO, at that time, only received a call from the governor informing him of the same, AS per the sources. Hence, looking at all these disclosures and reports, it wouldn’t be far-fetched to say that Norman’s future regarding the billion-dollar merger appears to be precarious.

Watch this story | Hours Before the $25,000,000 Tulsa Event, Greg Norman’s LIV Golf Suffers a Huge Setback