Greg Norman: "Mickelson’s comments didn’t help, it’s clear"

Greg Normanformer world number 1, winner of two British Open and leading one new Saudi Arabia’s investor -backed golf leagueconfirmed on Monday night that recent comments from Phil Michaelson complex objects for new operations.

“There’s no question that what he said was detrimental to everyone,” Norman told ESPN. “The PGA Tour hurt. We hurt. Golf hurt in general. And Phil hurt. So yes, on all fields. It wasn’t just for us. But it certainly created negative momentum against us.” White shark ‘.

Norman is the general manager of the LIV Golf Invitational Seriesformerly known as the Super Golf League. As the company tried to leave the ground, Mickelson’s comments published Feb. 15, following a November interview with author Alan Shipnuck, caused a storm.

Mickelson referred to the murder of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi, who called the Saudis “scary puppies.” He explained why he was still interested in joining the Saudi -backed league. “(They) have a horrible human rights record,” Mickelson said, according to Shipnuck. “They execute people there for being gay. Knowing all this, why would I even consider it? Because this is a unique opportunity to change the way the PGA Tour works. They were able to stay away from manipulative, coercive, heavy-handed tactics. because we, the players, have no recourse.

Norman said Monday that nearly a third of the world’s top 50 players have signed up to play on the new golf circuit (but these players need their respective circuits to give permission and not be sanctioned as said). at that time). When Mickelson’s comments were published, many top players reaffirmed their commitment to playing on the PGA Tour.

“Honestly, we’re ready to launch (in February),” Norman told ESPN. “We had enough players, ready to ride. And when all that happened, everyone was nervous, and the PGA Tour threatened people with a lifetime ban and things like that,” the Australian added. .

The LIV Golf Invitational Series, which originally had a 14-event schedule, has been restructured with a potential eight-event season. Of those, five are expected to take place in the United States, with $ 255 million at stake.

Mickelson applied to play in an event that conflicts with the PGA Tour, indicating his desire to compete in the LIV Golf Invitational Series. The tournament, held June 9-11 in London, is open to 48 players competing in 12 four-person teams.

“I was very pleasantly surprised,” Norman said. “What is discussed in the media and what is the reality are two different things. We know what is going on with great interest expressed. From the perspective of expectations, we have a lot of interest from players with important names to them. interested in our League “, he concluded.