The rumors are flying fast and furious as men’s professional golf is slipping into the mud of controversy. Recent claims and counterclaims in prime time golf news outlets have made the situation worse, since it was revealed many of the top players have signed non-disclosure agreements with a proposed new tour. Greg Norman, CEO of LIV Golf Investments, financed by $300 million of Saudi Arabian money, has partnered with the Asian Tour. Norman made a huge presence at the Asian Tour’s Saudi International last month. Ten players from the PGA Tour were granted releases by the PGA Tour to play in Saudi Arabia for which they received huge appearance fees. Norman’s Asian Tour seems to be in direct conflict with the PGA Tour and the DP World Tour, but he Opinion Is Professional Golf Slipping into the Mud? By Ed Travis was quoted as saying, “He and LIV Golf were not in this for a fight, nor to compete with the two largest tours.” But in a comment sounding just the opposite he pointed out, “Nobody owns the golf space.” He complained also of being the target of unwarranted verbal attacks. “Those against what LIV Golf is doing don’t know the facts.” Norman has said he wants to work together with the other golf organizations, but both the PGA Tour and DP World Tour have firmly stated that those players who sign with any new competitive tour would lose membership, which would make them ineligible for the four major championships and the Ryder Cup.
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