Rory McIlroy: Greg Norman’s exit a ‘good move’ but LIV ‘isn’t going away’

Rory McIlroy says Greg Norman’s departure from the chief government position at LIV Golf is “in all probability a superb transfer” for a Saudi-backed tour which he believes is right here to remain for the foreseeable future.

Veteran sports activities government Scott O’Neil has been named as Norman’s successor and McIlroy hailed the brand new LIV boss’ “wonderful monitor report” which has included being in command of the Philadelphia 76ers NBA crew.

Norman, in his LIV position, was on the centre of the break up in skilled males’s which has led most of the world’s prime gamers to signal for Saudi-funded tour.

McIlroy, initially a vocal critic of the brand new circuit, referred to as for the two-time Open Champion to “exit stage left” in 2022 and let the “adults” heal the injuries within the sport.

Nevertheless, the Northern Irishman has significantly softened his stance on the breakaway circuit and gave credit score to Norman when requested in regards to the strikes in LIV Golf after a gap two-under-par 70 left him 5 off the tempo as he started to makes an attempt to win a 3rd straight Dubai Desert Basic.

“He is in all probability one of many solely folks in golf who might have taken on that position. He bought it off the bottom. You have to commend him for that,” stated McIlroy of Norman.

“Now it is time for somebody with a bit extra expertise on this to take over. I actually do not know what the longer term holds for them however the strikes they’re making, particularly from an government standpoint, it does not seem like they’re going to go away any time quickly.”