Australia’s top golf courses can be lined up to host one of Greg Norman’s LIV Golf events after the Shark announced it would be part of 14 events in 2023 around the world.
Norman’s controversial Saudi-backed series will include stops in North and Latin America, Asia, Australia, the Middle East and Europe.
Ahead of LIV’s third event in New Jersey this week, Norman revealed plans for expansion, but was adamant his tour “will not compete with the Majors, international team events or heritage events.”
But LIV declaring there would be 25 tournaments worldwide by 2023 appears to be going against recruits like Phil Mickelson and Dustin Johnson who want to play less.
“LIV Golf’s expanding global platform will add a new dimension to the golf ecosystem as we know it, providing an opportunity for players and fans around the world to help maximize the true potential of our beloved sport,” he said Norman.
“Our franchise model will bring new energy and excitement to fans in every corner of the world, establishing a league of teams to connect with and grow with.”
The new LIV Tour will feature the LIV Golf League with 48 players and 12 established team franchises that will run throughout the year.
Captains will be able to build their franchises to attract a fan following and sponsor interest.
British Open champion Cameron Smith has been linked with a move to LIV in 2023 along with fellow Australians Adam Scott and Marc Leishman to potentially build an all-Australian team among the 12 franchises.
There will also be a promotion and relegation element to the tour in 2023, with players able to enter the LIV Golf League through their performance at Asian Tour events, while those finishing towards the end of the events of LIV Golf would be replaced.
Players in the LIV Golf League will compete for more than $400 million by 2023 in simultaneous individual and team play, constantly facing their rivals throughout the year.