Greg Norman’s LIV Golf leadership was a bit more than rocky. Strained player relations and accusations of sportswashing, to struggles in securing major TV deals, it was a ride since its inception in 2022. Amid this, the league has reached a level of recognition today that did not seem possible. Earlier this year, the former CEO was replaced by Scott O’Neil as the league’s CEO.

While Norman helped launch LIV Golf and bring change to the sport, his leadership style and controversies made him a polarizing figure in professional golf. Now, although it’s too early to say anything about the new in charge of the league, the old CEO made a fresh public presence.

The Shark visits the Scientist—unexpected meetup of Greg Norman & DeChambeau

The former professional had played his role in bringing a LIV Golf event to India, or an overseas platform for that matter. For the 2025 Asian Tour International Series, presented by DLF, DeChambeau, one of Norman’s trusted players, has received overwhelming expectations and support. Among fans trying to get a selfie, he had a special visitor. Well, Norman was spotted catching a selfie at the International Series. “Greg Norman is here ,” captioned Dead Solid Perfect (@Deadsolidp) who posted the photo on its X account. Have a look!

What a cute meet-up for the shoe buddies. In the 1990s, the Aussie had signed a deal with Reebok during his career high. Fast forward to 2024, Bryson DeChambeau did the same and can surpass The Greg Norman Collection’s $100 million sales earnings of 2005. Stepping down from the role of CEO and having more time on his hands, Greg Norman is surely utilizing that. Maybe he was also curious to see the game of golf in this country and how it fairs. But then again, Bryson is one of the major faces of LIV Golf and Norman might have just wanted to show his appreciation. Earlier last year, the duo had shared another moment of appreciation. At Pinehurst, Bryson DeChambeau bagged the U.S. Open title and Norman was quick to share his excitement.

The golf world seems delighted by this surprise and it is great to see the former CEO making an appearance in the events besides LIV. Well, considering the fact that post his retirement not everyone had some good things to say. Let’s dive into it more!

Under hot water: Greg Norman, LIV Golf’s bold future & criticisms

Upon leaving his position at LIV Golf, professionals took a bite or two at Norman’s farewell. Jon Rahm & Brooks Koepka were a few of them who had left their remarks. The Saudi Public Investment Fund has been planning a partnered revamp of the PGA Tour but Greg Norman hadn’t been too keen about merging LIV Golf in this deal. “I think having somebody like Scott who is a little bit outside the world of golf but very much in the world of sport I think makes him kind of a perfect match for that,” said Jon Rahm at the press conference of Hero Dubai Desert Classic. He then tied it in with Greg Norman’s disagreements surrounding LIV and the governing bodies. Koepka was a little neutral on framing his opinion with, “They (Fox Sports) know how to bring sports to life, and I’m pumped to see how they showcase what makes our game so unique.”

Soon after the dark clouds, Greg Norman added another trophy to his collection, receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Australian embassy in D.C. The ex-LIV Golf boss posted a nod to his decades of shaping golf both on and off the course. A chain of gratitude followed. Everybody was happy. But there was something more ahead. Is Greg Norman opening golf courses? He is set to “double the portfolio” of his current 124 courses. That could take a while. Meanwhile, he has officially joined the organizing committee for the 2032 Olympic Games in Brisbane, bringing his decades of golf expertise to the global stage. Now that’s a power play! We could expect him to bring some new-age changes to the Olympic golf scene. After all, he did set the league up from the start. Love him or hate him, the Shark isn’t leaving golf’s history books anytime soon, and certainly not the social media buzz.