Just days after teasing Australian Golf Digest readers about his next career move, outgoing LIV Golf chief executive officer Greg Norman has revealed his hand – a helping hand for Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese.
Norman, who turns 70 on February 10, has been appointed a board member of the organising committee to help shape the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The two-time Open champion, who grew up in Brisbane and started his professional career in the pro shop of Royal Queensland Golf Club, was personally headhunted by Albanese to join the 24-person panel that also includes Aussie Olympic champions Jessica Fox and Natalie Cook, as well as Australian Olympic Committee president John Coates.
Norman brings decades of experience in global sports business, having played a key role in launching the LIV Golf League in 2021. Over that time, he has also built a multi-industry empire spanning apparel, golf course design, real estate, wine, and private equity.
For Norman, this left-field is about giving back to his hometown.
“While I wish I could wind the clock back four decades and compete in 2032 – it is a privilege to help shape the Brisbane Games,” Norman told The Courier-Mail.
“In my youth in the 70s, I worked in the golf shop at Royal Queensland, and now that course will be the home of golf at Brisbane 2032.
“We will prove our credentials as world leaders in events, sport and hospitality and create an incredible legacy for this state.”
Norman’s move comes as his time as LIV Golf CEO draws to a close, with former Philadelphia 76ers boss Scott O’Neil taking over.
The announcement capped off a whirlwind 24 hours for Norman, who was also honoured at a gala dinner at the Australian embassy in Washington DC with a Lifetime Achievement Award for all his efforts on behalf of his native country. The event was hosted by former Australian Prime Minister and current Ambassador to the US, Kevin Rudd.
Norman also graces the cover of Australian Golf Digest’s February edition, on-sale Thursday (January 30), where he sat down with editor-in-chief Brad Clifton to chat about his time with LIV Golf, his aspirations for the game, and willingness to bury the hatchet with PGA Tour flag bearers Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy.
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