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.

Following a 2-under 70 in the opening round of the 2025 Dubai Desert Classic, Rory McIlroy addressed the announcement that Scott O'Neil had been appointed LIV Golf CEO. Having previously butted heads publicly with outgoing CEO and commissioner Greg Norman,

LIV Golf officially announced Scott O’Neil as its new CEO, replacing Greg Norman as the day-to-day leader of the Saudi-backed circuit. The move has been known since Thanksgiving, when O’Neil resigned as CEO with Merlin Entertainments,