Greg Norman Keeps Door Open For Phil Mickelson

IF Greg Norman has his way, Phil Mickelson could still emerge as the face of the new LIV Golf International series.

The Saudi-backed series will include eight 54-hole events across Europe, America and Asia and Norman insists he is proud to be involved.

"If it's good for the game of golf, it's good for me," the Australian said.

The series is worth a mind-boggling total of $255m from an overall investment of $400m from the Saudi's Public Investment Fund, which was also used to buy Premier League club Newcastle United last year.

Mickelson has worked closely with LIV Golf Investments but last month the six-time major champion said he regretted his criticism of the Saudi regime and announced he was taking a break from the game.

Top pros such as Dustin Johnson and Bryson DeChambeau have committed their futures to the PGA Tour and Henrik Stenson dealt the LIV Series a blow when he decided to become Europe’s Ryder Cup captain rather than committing to the series.

As things stand, not a single top golfer has committed.

(Image Credit: Kevin Diss Photography)

Norman, chief executive of LIV Golf Investments, said he has spoken to Mickelson says and that "the door is wide open" for the American.

"There's not a person on the planet who hasn't said something they wish they could take back,” said Norman. "We're trying to serve fans, grow the game and give players additional opportunities. We're not a political organisation. 

"There are going to be individuals out there who want to make comments but we're going to stay on course. Every player has a choice and we're giving them an opportunity. If they don't want to come, so be it. It's their choice."

The series will begin in England this June and each event will comprise a team element.

Norman has written to the top 250 players in the world, inviting them to take part and said: “Just think how magnificent it'd be if some kid, who's a no-name, comes and wins himself $3m, $5m, $8m. Then the big names we will want to be there. It's a slow process, but we have to start somewhere."

Norman has accused the PGA Tour of bullying players by suggesting they face a lifetime ban if they take part.

"The PGA Tour came out swinging," he said. "They put a giant redwood tree across the road for us, but we've worked around that.

"We're a start-up, but we're here for the long term. We understand the process to get going and we've got an incredible model to allow that.

"Giving the opportunity for players, as independent contractors, is critically important to me. I've fought for the players' rights to be able to increase their market value.

"What is the Tour afraid of by LIV coming along and offering a new opportunity for independent contractors to play? We're not asking players to make a choice on one tour or another, they can play both."