Norman is set to become the face of controversial breakaway Saudi League
Greg Norman is set to be unveiled as the face of the Saudi Golf League as the new venture’s bid to sign up some of the game’s biggest male stars reaches its critical stage.
The Australian major winner has been connected with the would-be breakaway circuit since proposals emerged three years ago. Norman was the first to envisage a World Tour almost 30 years ago and was the obvious figure for the Saudi Arabians to consult.
Yet his advisory role has become much larger and a seven-figure sum and equity share has apparently enticed the Great White Shark, in the words of one insider, “to be the Amanda Staveley of golf ”.
Staveley, of course, is the British businesswoman who spearheaded the Saudi consortium’s takeover of Newcastle United that was last week approved by the Premier League.
Norman, 66, attended the Ryder Cup two weeks ago and was seen on the first tee alongside Phil Mickelson, a United States vice-captain who has been heavily linked with the SGL. Ostensibly, Norman was at Whistling Straits as an analyst for a radio station.
“Greg is everywhere at the moment,” the insider said. “He was also at the Fedex Cup play-offs talking to top players. It will be intriguing to see if he is appointed CEO of Saudi golf or maybe of a PR firm that will front the venture.”
Norman’s management company would not confirm or deny the imminent engagement, with a spokesperson saying: “Greg has always been at the forefront of developments within professional golf and, as such, is always exploring potential opportunities.”
Since Jay Monahan, the PGA Tour commissioner, said in May that any player signing with the Saudis would face a lifetime ban, the SGL has sought a more subtle route. Last month, the Asian Tour announced a “historic” 10-year deal with the Saudi International, an event that was formerly on the European Tour’s schedule.
The Asian Tour is a recognised circuit and in past years the PGA and
European Tours would have given releases to members to play. But with the Saudis’ transparent plan of a 12 to 14-tournament global circuit, it must be doubted if Monahan or Europe counterpart Keith Pelley will grant passes. Mickelson, Bryson Dechambeau, Brooks Koepka and Dustin Johnson are believed to be set to appear at Royal Greens in King Abdullah Economic City.
“The fun and games will really start when the release applications get turned down, but apparently, as of yet, nobody has applied,” the source said. “That event is in February, so the clock is ticking. The Saudis are not going away, have billions at their disposal, and the next six to 12 months will be very interesting.”