Despite being on opposite sides of the issue, McIlroy and Rahm both expressed positive opinions about LIV Golf’s new CEO.

Rory McIlroy has never hidden his frustration with Greg Norman, frequently criticizing the Australian as he helped launch the LIV Golf League and, in McIlroy’s mind, initiated the schism with the PGA Tour that has harmed men’s professional golf.

McIlroy has been an outspoken critic of the Saudi-backed LIV Golf League ever since the breakaway tour was introduced in 2022. The Irishman has also acted as a mentor to golf prodigy McKibbin, who comes from the same village as McIlroy in Belfast.

DeMar DeRozan gave Sacramento the lead for good with 2:20 remaining, De'Aaron Fox made five free throws amid two controversial calls in the final 33 seconds, and the host Kings hung on to defeat the Houston Rockets 132-127 on Thursday night.

Rory McIlroy believes that former LIV CEO Greg Norman was “probably one of the only people in golf who could have got LIV Golf off the ground.”

Rory McIlroy said Thursday that removing Greg Norman as LIV CEO is a “good move” and that his respected replacement suggests the Saudi-backed league is here to stay. Speaking to reporters Thursday after a 2-under 70 to begin his season at the DP World Tour’s Dubai Desert Classic,

Scott O'Neil replaced Greg Norman as LIV Golf CEO on Wednesday, January 15, 2025. O'Neil previously was CEO of the Philadelphia 76ers.