Greg Norman claims players are afraid of missing LIV opportunity: “There are players with FOMO right now”

Greg Norman is once again making headlines in the golf world, pointing to a “new phenomenon” in golf. In recent years, the golf world has witnessed an unexpected abuzz with the arrival of LIV Golf, a league that has disrupted the established norms of the sport.

LIV Golf, established in 2021 by the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia, has positioned itself as a daring alternative to the PGA Tour. It has attracted the attention of some of the world’s top golfers with its innovative format and multi-million dollar contracts.

In a recent development, league founder and CEO Greg Norman has disclosed that FOMO, or the “fear of missing out” on the opportunity to join LIV Golf, is emerging among players. According to Norman, this sense of exclusion has prompted a notable shift in attitudes toward the league, which initially faced rejection from numerous players.

“We knew that we had to create this pathway of opportunity.” Greg Norman said. “And there are players out there with FOMO right now. They want to get in. So the players who are in, know there’s that FOMO… and they don’t want to get out.”

🚨Greg Norman: “We knew that we had to create this pathway of opportunity… And there are players out there with FOMO right now. They want to get in. So the players who are in, know there’s that FOMO… and they don’t want to get out.” Via @flushingitgolf pic.twitter.com/5o5QS0AyJD

— NUCLR GOLF (@NUCLRGOLF) July 27, 2024

The FOMO Phenomenon and the Greg Norman Statement

Greg Norman, known as the “Shark” because of his dominant style on the course during the 1980s and 1990s, has been a polarizing figure in golf. Norman has consistently articulated a clear vision for LIV Golf: to disrupt the status quo and create new opportunities for players.

As the league’s leader, Greg Norman has been instrumental in developing a platform that not only offers substantial prize money but also provides an alternative to the traditional golf format.

Greg Norman has been highly critical of traditional structures and has sought to innovate the sport. His approach to LIV Golf has been met with a mixture of enthusiasm and controversy, but it has undeniably succeeded in attracting players and making an impact on the sport.

Norman pointed to the alleged FOMO among players as evidence of the impact that LIV Golf is having on professional golf, confirming that its vision is bearing fruit. According to Norman, this dynamic has intensified competition within the league and has increased the intensity on the practice fields.

“Every day, practice round, first round, even this morning, you can see how the competition is intensifying.”

LIV Golf’s Impact on the Golf World

LIV Golf has transformed the professional golf landscape with its distinctive format. In contrast to the traditional 72-hole format, LIV events are played over 54 holes with no cuts, ensuring that all players compete throughout the event.

Furthermore, the tournaments offer substantial prize purses of up to $25 million per event, including a significant portion for teams. This financial appeal, coupled with the new format and a global schedule, has established a formidable alternative to the PGA Tour.

At the outset, the league encountered significant opposition. Many golfers and fans have expressed criticism of LIV Golf, citing its association with the Saudi government and concerns about the potential influence of financial backing on the integrity and ethical standards of the sport.

However, the success and notoriety achieved by LIV Golf has begun to alter these perceptions. The league’s growing popularity has prompted a certain degree of “FOMO” among players who have been drawn to the financial incentives and the revamped format.