LIV Golf CEO Greg Norman hints at Japan event: Reports
LIV Golf CEO Greg Norman has hinted at expanding the circuit’s reach worldwide. The Saudi-backed series already hosts events outside the United States, including in Singapore, Hong Kong, and Adelaide. Moving forward, there is a possibility that Japan might be added to the calendar, possibly in 2026.
On Friday, November 15, Norman shared a post on Instagram with Japan Golf Tour Chairman Yutaka Morohoshi. The two reportedly discussed the potential for another Asian event on the LIV Golf schedule. According to Golf Monthly, Japan might host either a regular-season LIV Golf event in 2026 or the highly-anticipated LIV Golf Team Championship.
Sharing pictures with Morohoshi, Norman wrote:
"The podium of world golf = 🇺🇸🇰🇷 🇯🇵 Playing, designing golf courses and promoting the game globally has been and is an honour - now I’m grateful to be working in expanding @livgolf_league into the podium of golf. And to think 22 of top 50 woman golfers are from 🇯🇵🇰🇷👊💪!! Thank you @japangolftour Chairman Morohoshi san (a friend for 30+ years) @kpga_official Incheon Mayor Yoo Jeong-bog @mek227 @ironheadsgc_ Jack Nicklaus Golf Club Incheon @livgolf_league for the past few days."
With these new discussions, there could be an opportunity for LIV Golf to sign more Japanese players. Previously, reports suggested that LIV Golf had shown interest in signing 2021 Masters winner Hideki Matsuyama. In 2022, the circuit reportedly offered Matsuyama $400 million, but the golfer chose to remain with the PGA Tour.
Earlier this year, Norman confirmed their interest in the Japanese star. Speaking to Australian Golf Digest, he said (as quoted by Golf Monthly):
"We’ve been trying to get Hideki Matsuyama. I don’t mind admitting that. When Hideki won in LA, what’s the first thing I did? I said, “Congratulations, Hideki. I’m proud of you, mate.”
LIV Golf has slowly expanded into events around the globe. In the last three years, it has also increased the number of tournaments from eight in the first season to 14 in the third.
LIV Golf confirmed the 10 events for the 2025 season
The Saudi-backed circuit concluded its 2024 season in September and has already announced a few tournaments for 2025. While the complete schedule is yet to be revealed, the confirmed events include:
- February 6-8: LIV Golf Riyadh - Riyadh Golf Club
- February 14-16: LIV Golf Adelaide - The Grange Golf Club
- March 7-9: LIV Golf Hong Kong - Hong Kong Golf Club
- March 14-16: LIV Golf Singapore - Sentosa Golf Club
- May 2-4: LIV Golf Korea - Jack Nicklaus Golf Club Korea
- June 27-29: LIV Golf Dallas - Maridoe Golf Club
- July 11-13: LIV Golf Andalucia - Real Club Valderrama
- July 25-27: LIV Golf UK - JCB Golf and Country Club
- August 8-10: LIV Golf Chicago - Bolingbrook Golf Club
- August 15-17: LIV Golf Indianapolis - The Club at Chatham Hills
Amid all this, the PGA Tour and PIF, the financial backbone of LIV Golf, are still in talks about the ongoing negotiation deal. A framework agreement was announced in 2023; however, no deal has been finalized as of now.