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SUGAR GROVE, IL – SEPTEMBER 18: LIV CEO and commissioner Greg Norman watches play on the second hole during the final round of the LIV Golf Invitational Series Chicago at Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove, Illinois. Photo by Brian Spurlock/Icon Sportswire GOLF: SEP 18 LIV Golf Invitational Series Chicago Icon220918022. Image Courtesy: IMAGO
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SUGAR GROVE, IL – SEPTEMBER 18: LIV CEO and commissioner Greg Norman watches play on the second hole during the final round of the LIV Golf Invitational Series Chicago at Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove, Illinois. Photo by Brian Spurlock/Icon Sportswire GOLF: SEP 18 LIV Golf Invitational Series Chicago Icon220918022. Image Courtesy: IMAGO
Greg Norman stands among golf’s finest over the years for his work inside the ropes. However, after launching the LIV Golf Series, the former Australian golfer has tarnished his image as one of golf’s torchbearers. The rebel league has undoubtedly split the best players on the planet on either side, leaving fans fuming. Yet, in the recent coverage of this year’s inaugural LIV event, a noted commentator was heard lavishing praise on Norman, which didn’t sit well with netizens.
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Rave recognition for Norman anger fans
The incident occurred during the coverage of the year’s first LIV event, which is being aired by the CW Network. 2018 Masters champion Patrick Reed was playing his stroke when commentator David Feherty decided to praise profusely on the league’s CEO, Greg Norman.
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“Changed the game, that man did,” Feherty said on TV while referring to Norman. The seasoned commentator, who also switched sides from the PGA Tour to join the rebel league, was not done with his honor, though.
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ORLANDO, FL – DECEMBER 13: Greg Norman hits to the 18th green during the Pro-Am of the 2018 PNC Father Son Challenge on December 13, 2018 at the The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club in Orlando, Florida. Photo by Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire GOLF: DEC 13 Champions Tour – PNC Father Son Challenge PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxHUNxRUSxSWExNORxDENxONLY Icon121318112
In his next few words, Feherty boldly claimed Norman to be one of the most popular athletes during the Aussie’s playing career. “Back in the 80s and 90s, probably the most recognizable athlete on the planet,” he claimed.
Catching up on the @livgolf_league broadcast (no spoilers!) against my doctor’s orders. I was rewarded with Feherty saying Greg Norman changed the game and was probably the most recognizable athlete on the planet in the 80s and 90s. Gotta feed the Commishes ego! pic.twitter.com/BO7VjiGxwe
— Geoff Shackelford (@GeoffShac) February 26, 2023
Evidently, his words were not taken lightly by fans on the internet. The majority disagreed with the commentator and nominated other sports entities of that era for the throne. Here’s a selection of those tweets.
I need someone to show that to MJ. pic.twitter.com/i0Djxdw9Yj
— John Dabkovich (@JohnDabkovich) February 26, 2023
Pele, Maradonna, Jordan, Tyson, Gretzky, Ronaldo, Agassi, Magic, Lendl, Bird, Carl Lewis, Navratilova…Norman would not crack the top 20 borderline top 50.
— LionsRideOrDie (@KingFontes1) February 26, 2023
I showed my 8 year old son a picture of Steph Curry. He said what the hell am I looking at? A sports figure? There is only Greg Norman and the Aces. Everybody knows the Aces.
— Perseus (@HouseSacco) February 26, 2023
1) How in the world did Greg Norman change the game of golf, by taking a 5 stroke lead into the Masters and losing. 2) Take a picture of Greg Norman to 100 people, I bet less than 50% know who he is.
— michael harris (@michael42388118) February 27, 2023
Oh and now David can afford some nice Gucci knee pads to go with his poncey hair and duds. What an embarrassment
— Afficionato on my burner : ) (@MusicGrump) February 27, 2023
Michael Jordan May tend to disagree! Feherty is drinking the kool aid!
— bob malone (@BobRmalone16) February 26, 2023
Because Michael Jordan took a back seat to Norman haha
— Dustin Nemenz (@dustinemenz) February 26, 2023
Mike Tyson was the most recognized athlete of the planet in that era. Also the baddest man on the planet at the time.
— Tim Dahlberg (@timdahlberg) February 26, 2023
He was the most recognizable athlete in the world on April 11, 1996.
— Sunucha (@kayhallesq) February 28, 2023
I always enjoyed watching Norman play but this is crazy talk.
— oldmaninvegas (@oldmaninvegas) February 26, 2023
Was Greg Norman really the most popular athlete?
Norman’s recent hatred has been fueled by his involvement with the rebel league. However, there’s no questioning his legacy in golf’s domain. The Australian golfer won a staggering 91 professional titles across his glittering career, 71 of which came in international events.
He was also the winner of two major championships during his time – the Open Championship in 1986 and in 1993. Additionally, he was a former World No. 1, a position he once held for 331 weeks, a record back then.
But while all these accolades make him one of golf’s greatest, was he the biggest name in sports back in the day? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
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Written by
Edited by
Rohini Kottu