LIV Golf is undergoing a major leadership change as Scott O’Neil takes over as CEO, replacing Greg Norman, who has been at the helm since the organization’s inception in 2021. While Norman’s tenure as CEO is coming to an end, he won’t be completely stepping away from LIV Golf—he’ll still play a role, though the details remain unclear. O’Neil, a respected figure in the sports world with over 25 years of experience working with major organizations like the New York Knicks and Philadelphia Eagles, brings a reputation for innovation and talent development—exactly what LIV Golf needs as it continues to grow and evolve.

However, the change hasn’t been universally celebrated. Norman is already facing significant trolling on social media, particularly from PGA Tour creators who have been having a field day following the news of his departure. On the latest No Laying Up Podcast YouTube video, one of the hosts remarked, “It was just unbelievable that this cartoon character was the CEO of this upstart.”

Norman’s time in charge was marked by numerous cringe-worthy moments, such as the widely criticized open letter he sent to PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan, which many saw as unnecessarily aggressive. They also couldn’t resist bringing up his awkward encounter with Rory McIlroy at the Masters, where Norman was seen standing pressed against the rope, staring at the golf legend—an image that has since become an enduring symbol of Norman’s time as CEO.

The hosts also joked about Norman’s departure, humorously suggesting that he’s been “moved upstairs,” a phrase that was once floated as a possibility a year or two ago. At the time, many skeptics laughed it off, with some even suggesting it might be a euphemism for being fired. As one host playfully quipped, “The line of like Norman moving on reminded me of when they originally said… they kind of threatened a year or two ago that Norman was gonna be out of the CEO role and be moving upstairs, and everyone was like, ‘Dude, are they killing Norman?’ The moving upstairs part just made me laugh so hard… like reliving that one today, of like, ‘Oh my God, they’re finally moving Norman upstairs.”

The hosts also joked about Norman’s departure, humorously suggesting that he’s been “moved upstairs,” a phrase that was once floated as a possibility a year or two ago. At the time, many skeptics laughed it off, with some even suggesting it might be a euphemism for being fired.

As one host quipped, “The line of like Norman moving on reminded me of when they originally said… they kind of threatened a year or two ago that Norman was gonna be out of the CEO role and be moving upstairs, and everyone was like, ‘Dude, are they killing Norman?’ The moving upstairs part just made me laugh so hard… like reliving that one today, of like, ‘Oh my God, they’re finally moving Norman upstairs.” Well, despite all the negativity, Greg Norman has proved that he is keeping his head high as he exits LIV Golf.

Greg Norman is happy for the new LIV Golf CEO

When the news of his departure was made official, Norman congratulated his successor, Scott O’Neil. Norman also expressed his gratitude to Chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan for the opportunity to lead LIV Golf. This move comes after Norman’s contract ended, and rumors swirled that LIV Golf was moving on. Norman’s exit comes after helping grow LIV Golf from an idea into a legitimate tour with some of the world’s most notable players. He played a crucial role in attracting top talent, including major winners like Phil Mickelson, Brooks Koepka, and Dustin Johnson.

Under his leadership, LIV Golf secured significant funding and established partnerships with various organizations. “First and foremost, congratulations to Scott. He is exactly the type of experienced professional who understands the unique and powerful combination of entertainment and sports that LIV Golf exemplifies,” Norman said in a statement.

Al-Rumayyan also praised Norman’s contributions, saying “When we launched LIV Golf, there was no one that made more sense to lead the organization other than Greg Norman. I thank him for everything he has done to establish, launch, and grow our league.” What are your thoughts on the matter? Let us know in the comment section below!