The world of golf has seen its fair share of dynamic duos and rivalries. From Jack Nicklaus-Tom Watson to Tiger Woods-Phil Mickelson, the list is long. The sport has tested and defined the relationships between the best of the best. Unfortunately, PGA Tour’s Tiger Woods and LIV Golf CEO Greg Norman have the most strained relationship in golf.
Woods and Norman have shared a similar path in their careers. They both had massive success but could never forge a meaningful relationship on the greens or off them. What went wrong between the two, and why did Norman say: “We don’t talk.” Let’s find out.
Norman makes a massive revelation regarding Tiger Woods
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Woods and Norman have had a similar path to success. Back in 1997, Woods replaced Norman as the #1 ranked player in the world. Both players are credited as trailblazers in the game and an inspiration to the next generation. During an “In-Depth With Graham Bensinger” interview in 2015, Norman said, “I don’t know him, even though we live half a mile from each other. I witnessed, I wouldn’t have said one word to Tiger Woods in ten years.”
This shocked the golf community as the two lived in the same area of Jupiter Island, Florida. When asked if he would talk to Woods, Norman replied: “I don’t have anything against Tiger Woods.” He continued, “I haven’t had a conversation with Tiger Woods for anybody to be predetermined, there is a barrier there. I’m willing to. Happy to.”
Over the years, the strain on the professional relationship hasn’t improved. With the inception of LIV Golf, both found themselves on opposing sides and things appear to have got worse since.
LIV Golf widened the gap between Norman and Woods
The inception of LIV Golf has not positively affected the strained relationship between Woods and Norman. Norman is the current CEO of LIV, while the 15-time major winner Woods plays for PGA Tour. During talks regarding the merger of PGA Tours, DP World Tours and LIV Golf, PGA Tour officials wished to have Norman removed as the CEO. Another proposal included Woods and Rory McIlroy own LIV teams. Had the discussion moved forward, this would have strained the relationship even more, if truth be told.
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'Greg (Norman) has to go': Tiger Woods unloads on LIV Golf leadership, explains what must happen for LIV to co-exist with PGA Tour https://t.co/x8C734ZfuV
— Golfweek (@golfweek) November 30, 2022
During a 2022 news conference, Woods was asked what needs to happen for an amicable relationship between LIV Golf and PGA. Mr T replied: “I think Greg has to go, first of all.” Based on the decade-long strained relationship, this did not come as a shock to the community. With the merger moving forward and the fate of LIV Golf hanging in the air, no one can predict what would happen now between the two.
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Do you think the two GOATs will ever shake hands and be proper neighbors? Do let us know in the comments section below.