CEO of LIV Golf League Greg Norman has been candid about his interest in Japanese PGA Tour sensation Hideki Matsuyama.
According to Greg Norman, LIV Golf made an effort to convince Hideki Matsuyama to quit the PGA Tour.
Over the past few years, the Japanese golfer has struggled with nagging injuries, mostly to his back.
However, Matsuyama seems to be returning to form after winning at Tiger Woods’ PGA Tour event once more.
Surprisingly, he achieved his first top-10 finish in over two years with his recent victory at the Genesis Invitational.
It makes sense that Matsuyama’s win of the 2021 Masters would be a major victory for Norman and LIV Golf.
Naturally, the numbers are unverified, but rumors have it that Matsuyama declined one of LIV’s largest offers to date.
That amount, which was reportedly on the table for Matsuyama in July 2022, was estimated to be worth $400 million.
Around the same time, Rory McIlroy and the previously mentioned Woods planned a players-only gathering in Delaware.
The biggest names on the PGA Tour got together with Woods and McIlroy to talk about how the long-standing Tour could move forward during a difficult time.
Matsuyama was reportedly caught between money and legacy at the time.
Several players who attended that meeting, including Joaquin Niemann, Tyrrell Hatton, and Jon Rahm, have now joined LIV.
Rahm recently shared additional details about his choice to join LIV, saying that Woods had “ghosted” him.
Regarding Matsuyama, two-time Open champion Norman has acknowledged that he has previously spoken with Matsuyama.
“We’ve been trying to get Hideki Matsuyama,” he said to Australian Golf Digest. It’s okay with me to admit that.
“What was the first thing I did when Hideki won in Los Angeles? “Congratulations, Hideki,” I said. I’m happy for you, friend.”
Norman also disclosed a few unexpected conversations with McIlroy.
Over the past 24 months, McIlroy and Norman have publicly exchanged insults.
McIlroy once said that he had vowed in private to give Norman a hard time.
McIlroy has taken a very different stand on LIV; in fact, Norman commended the Northern Irishman for taking a fall from grace.
Additionally, he said to the publication that he would display “some humility” toward McIlroy if the Ulsterman wins the 2024 Masters.
“I felt Rory’s pain when he hit that misplaced tee shot on hole 10, and he responded when I sent him a message of support after missing out on the [2011] Masters.
“And I’ll say congratulations on hitting the grand slam if Rory wins the Masters this year, right?
“That’s the spirit of the game—sportsmanship, humility, and all three. I am that. That’s my approach to it.”
Whether McIlroy goes on to achieve the career grand slam in April at Augusta National remains to be seen.
His former agent Chubby Chandler recently spoke to GolfMagic about the Northern Irishman’s chances.
Which players were in the Delaware meeting?
Tiger Woods
Rory McIlroy
Scottie Scheffler
Patrick Cantlay
Xander Schauffele
Justin Thomas
Jon Rahm
Collin Morikawa
Will Zalatoris
Viktor Hovland
Matthew Fitzpatrick
Sam Burns
Jordan Spieth
Tony Finau
Billy Horschel
Cameron Young
Joaquin Niemann
Max Homa
Shane Lowry
Tyrrell Hatton
Kevin Kisner
Rickie Fowler
Adam Scott
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