“Lot More Money”: Veteran Golf Analyst Gives a Stern Verdict on Greg Norman’s LIV That Ignited a ‘ Riot in Golf’

When LIV Golf came crashing on the American shore, along with PGA Tour stalwarts, famous commentators like David Feherty also joined the breakaway league. Now another veteran golf analyst reveals, that he too had a potentially lucrative offer on the table.

With the staggering amount of money coming into play, it has also left a lot of veterans divided across the spectrum. Recently, European Ryder Cup legend, Nick Faldo, spoke against the lack of legacy-building opportunities in LIV Golf. But, for the former CBS Sports analyst, this financial ‘riot’ was long overdue.

Veteran golf analyst gets candid about Greg Norman and his dream project

Gary McCord used to spit wit and wisdom in every sentence he uttered at the CBS Sports studio. His pointed sarcasm has landed him in the crosshairs of many and cost him an enviable job. Regardless, the man with the Guy Fawkes beard never lost his relevancy in the inner circle of golf. 

Apparently, Greg Norman, the CEO of LIV Golf, knew this too well and wanted his service at the PIF-funded league. The 73-year-old commentator reveals he was in talks with Norman. However, eventually, he decided against joining the breakaway league. 

But it was not due to any distaste for the PIF-funded league. Rather, his old age didn’t permit him for the globetrotting job that Norman demanded. “Norman and I were talking. But I’m too old to go to Bangkok, too old to go to Riyadh, too old to go to Adelaide,” Gary McCord revealed in a conversation with GolfWeek. He also opened up about what he feels about LIV Golf’s impact on the golf world.

The former PGA Tour pro feels the Saudi-backed league has caused a welcome disruption in the game, that has benefitted the golfers. “Players are getting a lot more money.” To give an example, Talor Gooch, in his 123 starts for the PGA tour earned $9250299 in prize money. In this season alone at LIV golf, the Oklahoma star earned $15 million in the regular season with an additional $18 million in bonus. 

Unlike Faldo and others who flinched at the obscene amount of money, McCord is positive about it. “It created a lot more revenue streams for a lot more players so in the long run, it’s good.” This was not the first time the veteran golfer took a stance that went against the grain though. The former PGA Tour pro is known for his bold remarks, which have ruffled quite a few feathers, costing him a job once.

The ‘bikini wax’ comment got Gary McCord fired from the Masters

It was the 1994 Masters at the Augusta National. McCord was on the 17th hole doing his job for CBS Sports. To describe a fast putt, the veteran golfer blurted out, “I don’t think they mow these greens, I think they bikini wax them.”

Read More: ‘Paid Him a Fee’: Legendary Golf Analyst Reveals the Truth Behind His Infamous Ban From the Masters

That was it for McCord. Only a few months later, he was handed his marching orders with former Masters Champion Tom Watson allegedly calling him the “Howard Stern of golf.” But as they say, no PR is bad PR. A firing led him to worldwide fame that was unheard of as a golf analyst. 

With questions being raised about the sycophancy of LIV commentators, who fans claim sound more like propagandists, McCord’s comments throw a different light on the matter. Had Gary McCord been in the hot seat, the story could have been a little different.

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