LIV Golf announced Wednesday that Scott O’Neil will take over as head of the league, effective immediately. O’Neil replaces original CEO and commissioner Greg Norman, who will remain on the 54-hole tour in a different role, details of which have not been shared.
Unlike Norman, who has bristled at the PGA Tour, O’Neil maintains a relationship with league commissioner Jay Monahan, according to Sports Illustrated. The two exchanged text messages back and forth, and O’Neil looks forward to working with Monahan in some capacity in the future.
“We welcome Scott to the LIV Golf family, knowing that he will build on everything that has been achieved over the past three years,” said Yasir Al-Rumayyan, Governor of the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia, owner of LIV Golf. “Scott has the passion, tenacity and vision to continue to build on LIV Golf’s position as the preeminent global sports and entertainment company and to lead our incredible teams and players for years to come.
“When we started LIV Golf, there was no one more right than Greg Norman to lead the organization. I thank him for everything he did to establish, launch and grow our league. He was instrumental in in the success of LIV.”
O’Neil brings a wealth of experience to LIV Golf, including serving as CEO of Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment. During his career, he worked with professional sports teams such as the New York Knicks, Philadelphia 76ers, and Philadelphia Eagles.
O’Neil steps up to CEO role as the PGA Tour and PIF appear to be moving closer to a long-awaited deal. Reports circulated late last year that PIF was interested in investing more than $1 billion in PGA Tour Enterprises for a roughly 6% stake in the for-profit entity.
The initial framework agreement between the two parties in June 2023 called for negotiations to be completed by the end of this year. The deadline has since passed, but discussions between the two sides aimed at moving closer in one way or another continue.
LIV Golf is set to begin its fourth season as a league next month. Starting in the summer of 2022, it started with a roster including Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka, Bryson DeChambeau and Cameron Smith. He has since added an expansion team, Legion XIII, led by two-time major champion Jon Rahm.
England’s Tyrrell Hatton joined his Ryder Cup teammate in early 2024, and Anthony Kim made his long-awaited return to professional golf soon after.
“First of all, congratulations to Scott. He is exactly the type of experienced professional who understands the unique and powerful combination of entertainment and sports that LIV Golf exemplifies,” Norman said. “The league will be in very good hands with him at the helm. … I couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve accomplished or more pleased with where the league is right now. I’m excited to pass the baton.” – today and continue to help do everything I can to grow LIV Golf.”
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Patrick McDonald
