Greg Norman still wonders why Tiger Woods has kept him at arm’s length for more than a quarter-century. Their careers once overlapped at the game’s highest level, yet the Australian says every attempt to build a friendship with Woods has been politely deflected. “For 25 or more years, I’ve never really understood it,” Norman admitted in a recent 65-minute phone interview.
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Norman’s puzzlement comes despite seeing Woods warmly mentor players such as Bryson DeChambeau, who once shared long-range sessions with Tiger, and Patrick Reed, a captain’s pick on Woods’s victorious 2019 Presidents Cup team. “Did either hesitate to leave the Tour out of allegiance to Tiger? No, not at all,” Norman said, calling both “independent thinkers.” For Norman, that independence underscores his belief that personal ties to Woods rarely dictate career choices, raising the question of why his own outreach never landed.
The Shark’s LIV tenure, which ended when his CEO contract expired earlier this year, remains central to the rift. Woods publicly opposed the Saudi-backed league from the outset, warning in 2022 that “the product is not in the best interest of the game” and urging players to honor the Tour’s legacy. Industry analysts estimate LIV invested over $2 billion to lure stars such as Phil Mickelson and Brooks Koepka, a disruption Woods has consistently resisted. Norman counters that if former commissioner Jay Monahan had “taken our calls,” golf’s global ecosystem would be “more equitable today,” with private capital spread to more players.
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Now refocused on his course-design business and Australia’s 2032 Olympic plans, Norman remains a towering figure: two-time Open champion, 20 PGA Tour titles, World Golf Hall of Fame. Yet the unanswered question lingers: why Tiger Woods, the sport’s ultimate establishment icon, never let the Shark swim closer.
Well, Tiger Woods has consistently maintained a critical stance toward Greg Norman, particularly in relation to LIV Golf. In November 2022, Woods stated, “Greg [Norman] has to go,” suggesting that Norman’s departure was essential for any potential reconciliation between LIV and the PGA Tour. This comment underscored Woods’s firm opposition to Norman’s leadership and the broader implications of LIV Golf on the sport. Woods’s criticism was not isolated; he has repeatedly expressed concerns about LIV Golf’s impact on traditional golf structures and values. His remarks reflect a broader sentiment within the golfing community regarding the disruptive nature of LIV Golf and its leadership.
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Some observers believe the tension between Greg Norman and Tiger Woods stems less from any single slight and more from how their personalities and careers diverged. Woods has always remained intensely private, famously guarded even with players he respects. Norman, on the other hand, thrives on networking, sharing bold plans, and challenging golf’s hierarchy. Their paths briefly overlapped in the late 1990s, when Woods was ascending to superstardom and Norman still held the world’s No. 1 ranking. However, insiders note that they rarely practiced or spent time off-course together, and that gap only widened as their careers evolved in opposite directions.
Bamberger asked Greg Norman if the clean break from LIV Golf is what he truly wanted. “That’s something you’d have to ask Scott O’Neil.” https://t.co/J4TqjPuEEj
— Josh Carpenter (@JoshACarpenter) September 19, 2025
Despite the distance, Norman continues to respect Woods’s competitive legacy, frequently noting that Tiger’s 82 PGA Tour victories remain unmatched among active players. Moreover, he acknowledges that Woods’ influence as vice chairman of PGA Tour Enterprises and chair of the Future Competition Committee positions him as the Tour’s ultimate gatekeeper. Norman emphasizes that professional respect and personal friendship do not always overlap.
Whether respect might evolve into friendship remains uncertain. Norman now focuses on expanding his golf-course design footprint in Asia and contributing to Brisbane’s 2032 Olympic Games. Meanwhile, Woods is shaping the Tour’s next chapter while managing a limited playing schedule due to injuries. Nevertheless, their stories run parallel: two transformative figures who have globalized the sport, each commanding immense influence, yet for now remaining at arm’s length from one another.
The expanding power of Tiger Woods Inside the PGA Tour
Tiger Woods now wields unprecedented influence within professional golf through his roles as vice chairman of PGA Tour Enterprises and chairman of the PGA Tour’s Future Competition Committee. Launched in 2024 with backing from the Strategic Sports Group, PGA Tour Enterprises manages the Tour’s commercial operations, including media rights, sponsorships, and fan engagement. Additionally, as vice chairman, Woods serves on a 13-member board alongside player directors and independent investors, actively shaping how the Tour generates and distributes revenue.
Announced in August 2025, his chairmanship of the Future Competition Committee gives him even more sway over competitive aspects. The nine-member group, including five players and three business advisers, is tasked with rethinking the Tour’s season structure, signature events, and opportunities for top players to meet more frequently. According to the PGA Tour, the aim is to create “significant change” to enhance both the product and the fan experience.
With an enigmatic PGA Tour career and worldwide recognition, Woods commands respect from both players and business leaders. Moreover, even though he competes selectively due to injuries, he remains golf’s biggest draw and a trusted figure capable of bridging tradition with innovation. The challenge ahead will be balancing bold changes with the sport’s conservative roots. Nonetheless, Woods’ dual role as legend and administrator gives him the credibility to guide the Tour through its next phase while preserving the history that makes it special.
