LIV Golf’s next two targets from PGA Tour are obvious as Greg Norman eyes further signings
The Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund-backed LIV Golf is set to keep up its high-spending trend in the golf world’s off-season, following previous sensational signings like Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton – with some more exciting names on the way.As the row between it and the PGA Tour shows no signs of simmering down, the rebel league looks poised to continue its lavish spending into the 2025 season, coinciding with major early-season events of the PGA.LIV CEO Greg Norman has recently made it clear that they’re not going anywhere, with speculation rife about further additions to their already glittering line-up, with two prominent figures believed to be in the crosshairs of the Saudi fund.Hideki Matsuyama, already on Norman’s wish list, is a prime target. Despite being underpromoted in the US by the PGA Tour, the Japanese ace and former Masters winner is a huge draw in Asia, and whispers hint at a potentially record-breaking offer from LIV Golf, eclipsing the $600 million deal for Rahm.Earlier this year, Norman hasn’t been shy about his aggressive recruitment drive, stating, “I’ll give you another example. We’ve been trying to get Hideki Matsuyama.””I don’t mind admitting that. When Hideki won in LA, what’s the first thing I did? I said, ‘Congratulations, Hideki. I’m proud of you, mate’.”If Norman is looking to stir the pot, he might consider making a play for ex-world No. 1 Viktor Hovland. Despite being a top-tier golfer, Hovland had a tough 2024, struggling with his swing coach.Hovland has openly stated that he’s directed his agent to initiate talks with LIV Golf to weigh up their offers. With the year he’s had, LIV might just have the upper hand if those discussions are ongoing.As the PGA Tour and the Saudi PIF seem to be reaching an initial agreement, it appears that golf’s stormy times could be settling down. The triumphs of Bryson DeChambeau at the US Open and Jon Rahm in the LIV series hint at a bright path for players on the breakaway tour.What’s more, with the potential merger on the horizon, we could be looking at a united future for the game within the coming year.
