In a stunning escalation of tensions within the golf world, Greg Norman, the controversial commissioner of LIV Golf, has become the most reviled figure in the sport. Since the inception of LIV Golf in 2021, Norman’s aggressive rivalry with the PGA Tour has ignited a firestorm of criticism, leaving players and fans alike questioning his motives and decisions.

Norman’s feud with the PGA Tour has been nothing short of explosive. By launching LIV Golf as a direct competitor, he forced players into a divisive choice: align with the traditional PGA or embrace the new, lucrative LIV format. His vocal disdain for the PGA’s policies has not only alienated players but has also led many to accuse him of harboring a personal vendetta against the established tour. Critics argue that his actions threaten the integrity of the game, with accusations of favoritism towards select players further intensifying the backlash.

Adding fuel to the fire, Norman’s controversial changes to major tournament formats have drawn ire from golf purists. His introduction of a match play format for the PGA Championship was met with widespread disapproval, as fans lamented the departure from traditional stroke play. Despite the uproar, Norman remains defiant, insisting that such changes are necessary for the evolution of the sport.

However, the criticism doesn’t stop there. Many golfers have voiced concerns over Norman’s apparent neglect of player safety and course maintenance, alleging that his focus lies more on the business side of golf than on the welfare of the athletes. This perceived disregard for the needs of players has fostered frustration and disappointment within the golf community.

Norman’s lack of support for women’s golf has also come under scrutiny. Accusations of providing unequal resources to the women’s tour compared to the men’s have sparked outrage, with prominent figures like Hall of Famer Karrie Webb expressing discontent over his commitment to advancing the women’s game. The connection to the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund, which finances LIV Golf amid ongoing human rights violations, further complicates Norman’s public image.

Critics have also slammed Norman for his handling of golf’s inclusion in the Olympics, claiming he failed to rally top players to participate, resulting in a diluted competition. His management of sponsorship deals has come under fire as well, with accusations that he prioritizes profit over the sport’s values, raising questions about his leadership.

As if that weren’t enough, Norman’s public persona has become a lightning rod for disdain. His reputation as conceited and difficult to work with has only exacerbated the backlash against him. While he boasts an illustrious golfing career, his contentious actions and statements have overshadowed his achievements, leading many to view him as the embodiment of everything wrong in modern golf.

With tensions at an all-time high, the question remains: can Greg Norman redeem himself in the eyes of the golf community? As the fallout from his decisions continues to unfold, the future of LIV Golf—and Norman’s place within it—hangs in the balance. The world of golf is watching closely, and the stakes have never been higher.