"He wanted to start a world tour" - Gary Player says LIV Golf CEO Greg Norman has "vendetta" against the PGA Tour
Retired South African professional golfer Gary Player had one of the most illustrious careers ever. With 159 wins professionally, he is regarded as one of golf's greats.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, Gary revealed that LIV Golf CEO Greg Norman always had a "vendetta" against the PGA Tour from the beginning. He added that Greg wanted to start a world tour in the 90s.
"He wanted to start a world tour [in the 90s] and was deprived of it. He's been a bit bitter about that. I get on very well with Greg but I think he has let it creep into some of these decisions, which I think is a pity."
Gary Player shares Greg Norman's vendetta against the PGA
Since the arrival of LIV Golf in 2022, the golf world has been experiencing a stir all around. The league has been controversial because of its Saudi funders. Despite initially facing backlash, CEO Greg Norman managed to sign some top players from the PGA Tour. The biggest names that joined the league despite getting warnings from the Tour were Dustin Johnson, Phil Mickelson, Ian Poulter and Cameron Smith.
Just recently, former PGA tour golfer Gary Player, while speaking to the Daily Mail, revealed that Greg Norman has always wanted to start a Golf Tour since the early 90s.
Gary also revealed that Norman even went close to starting a golf tour when Fox Sports backed his plan and named the tour the World Golf Tour. He also revealed the blueprint of the LIV Golf CEO's 1994 startup tour. The World Golf Tour would have had the top 40 players of golf competing for hefty money across eight events.
However, then PGA commissioner Tim Finchem issued a notice to not allow players to compete at the Fox Sports' backed Tour. Due to the Tour's denial, the players back then hesitated to compete on the World Golf tour. A few years later, the PGA and Finchem announced the start of a World Golf Championships, which had similarities to Greg Norman's World Golf Tour.
Nine-time Major Championships winner Gary Player, in regards to the ongoing PGA vs LIV Golf, shared his views on players joining the Saudi-backed league. Gary also added that he does not blame any of the golfers for switching to LIV Golf. He feels that players must not be withheld from coming back to compete at regular tournaments.
Gary Player's life and career
Gary Player was born in Johannesburg, South Africa, on November 1, 1935. He was regarded as one of the best golfers of his time. At the age of 29, Gary won the 1965 U.S. Open and accomplished the career Grand Slam i.e., winning all four major championships. He was the only non-American golfer to achieve that feat.
Countdown to #TheMasters
In 1961 Gary Player becomes the 1st ever International Champion.
Holding off Arnold Palmer.
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Over the course of seven decades and six countries, he won more than 150 professional events. In 1974, he was elected to the World Golf Hall of Fame.
On January 7, 2021, Gary player received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award in the United States, from then-President Donald Trump.