In a story posted on ESPN.com Friday morning, QBE Shootout founder and host Greg Norman confirmed that he will be the commissioner of a new golf league and stepping away from his business enterprises.
But Norman will remain in his role as host of the Shootout, which is played Dec. 8-12 at Tiburón Golf Club at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort in Naples, Florida, and just announced its field Tuesday.
Wasserman Events operates all of the golf tournaments previously operated by Greg Norman Production Company. Wasserman bought GNPC in 2015. That includes the Shootout, so Norman’s move doesn’t directly affect his role in that event.
On Friday, Norman announced his association with Liv Golf Enterprises, which is backed by the Private Investment Fund. That fund operates on behalf of the government of Saudi Arabia. According to ESPN.com, Norman will be chief operating officer as well as commissioner.
Golfweek also reported additional details on the tour, including that Trump courses could be some of the host venues.
“This is the biggest decision of my life,” said Norman, 66, a World Golf Hall of Famer and successful businessman.
Eamon Lynch: Greg Norman’s Saudi deal reveals plenty about him
Norman will stay in South Florida, where he purchased a new home in Palm Beach Gardens after selling his one on Jupiter Island for $55 million. He also sold his ranch in Colorado for $40 million earlier this year.
Norman will remain involved with his golf course design business, according to the ESPN story.
“What do I do with the Greg Norman Company?” Norman told ESPN.com. “It has 12 divisions. I can’t do both. I can’t put both feet in both office buildings and give 100% effort. So I decided to step away from Greg Norman Company. I’m handing the reins over for the first time in my life to other individuals to run my company.”
The Shootout field is led by three-time champions Matt Kuchar and Harris English, who won by nine strokes last year. U.S. Ryder Cup captain Steve Stricker and LPGA Tour star Lexi Thompson also are part of the 24-player field that features scramble, modified alternate shot and best ball in three tournament rounds. Thirteen players in the field are in the top 50 in the world golf rankings.
The Shootout also features Live Fest, a concert on Saturday, Dec. 11 that has Thomas Rhett and Cole Swindell as headliners, with Runaway June and Ben Allen Band also on the lineup.
Tournament officials expect to announce the 12 two-player teams for the Shootout this week.
English
French
German
Italian
Japanese
Spanish