Greg Norman, the mastermind behind LIV Golf, is always looking for new ways to expand the Saudi-funded league—and why wouldn’t he? After all, that’s what a good CEO does. Recently, LIV Golf announced its first four of 14 events for the 2025 season, with Korea and Indianapolis joining the roster as host venues for the big-money tour. The 2025 season kicks off on February 6 at LIV Golf Riyadh in South Korea. “LIV Golf is growing across the globe in new and returning markets, and our 2025 schedule is a testament to that,” said Greg Norman.
Following this even Polish LIV sensation Adrian Meronk shared his excitement about the global ambitions of the tour per Golf Digest. “I like that idea. It would be awesome. The Asian Tour (funded by the PIF) is flourishing right now, so maybe that will happen,” he said, hinting at the expanding reach of LIV.
And now, the whispers are getting louder—LIV Golf is likely heading to Japan in 2026. The stage is set for an even bigger global push, and Japan could very well be the next frontier for this rapidly growing league.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Could LIV Golf’s Expansion to Japan in 2026 Signal a New Era for Asian Golf?
There’s been some buzz lately about Japan possibly becoming the next big destination for LIV Golf. So, how did this rumor get started? Well, LIV Golf CEO Greg Norman was recently in the region for a few days. While he was there to announce LIV Golf Korea in 2025, he also took some time to meet with Yutaka Morohoshi, the Chairman of the Japan Golf Tour Organization (JGTO).
View this post on Instagram
Norman even posted a photo with Morohoshi on Instagram, showing their conversation about LIV Golf’s growing presence in Asia. In the caption, Norman mentioned how they’re looking to expand LIV’s reach, calling it a step towards having a bigger footprint across the U.S., Korea, and Japan. While the meeting certainly leaves room for some speculation, we’ve broken down three key takeaways that might just point to a possible LIV Golf move into Japan.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
What’s your perspective on:
Is Greg Norman's LIV Golf expansion a game-changer for Asian golf, or just another bold move?
Have an interesting take?
LIV Golf and the PGA Tour Merger: Seasons have changed, but one thing’s stayed the same—the long-delayed LIV-PGA merger, which was announced back on June 6, 2023. So far, fans haven’t gotten any updates—just rumors. But if rumors are to be trusted, let’s go with this one too.
Norman’s recent trip to Japan isn’t just about spreading LIV’s name—it’s also about strengthening ties with the Japan Golf Tour (JGT), a key partner of the PGA Tour. It has been a staple of the PGA Tour in Japan since 2019, and with LIV getting closer to JGT, it feels like a step toward a bigger picture—maybe even a potential LIV-PGA Tour merger down the line.
More Asian Players on LIV Golf: LIV Golf’s focus on growing its presence in Asia isn’t just about hosting events—it’s also about tapping into some serious golfing talent. With Scott Vincent recently losing his spot on the Ironheads due to relegation, it seems like LIV will be looking to recruit more top players from Asia. This move makes sense, especially with golf booming in places like Japan and Korea. Bringing in more players from this region could really up LIV’s game and help it build a stronger international following. If not a merger, then perhaps a solid competitor.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
LIV Golf’s Potential Move for Season-Ending Team Championship: There’s some exciting chatter that Japan could be the first international destination for LIV Golf’s season-ending Team Championship. If this happens, it would break from tradition by stepping away from the U.S. and making a bold statement about LIV’s commitment to Asia. With the Asian Tour getting more love from LIV recently, this would be a big move to show off their growing influence in the region. Japan, with its strong golf culture and booming market, feels like the perfect place to host the grand finale of LIV’s unique team format.
Well, it may or may not happen, but if we focus on the brighter side, this Japan move could prove to be a huge win for the Norman-led circuit. What do you think about this rumored expansion? Let us know in the comments!
Have something to say?
Let the world know your perspective.
Debate
Is Greg Norman's LIV Golf expansion a game-changer for Asian golf, or just another bold move?