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.
“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.
Imago
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!
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.
Pele, Maradonna, Jordan, Tyson, Gretzky, Ronaldo, Agassi, Magic, Lendl, Bird, Carl Lewis, Navratilova…Norman would not crack the top 20 borderline top 50.
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.
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 Jordan May tend to disagree! Feherty is drinking the kool aid!
Because Michael Jordan took a back seat to Norman haha
Mike Tyson was the most recognized athlete of the planet in that era. Also the baddest man on the planet at the time.
He was the most recognizable athlete in the world on April 11, 1996.
I always enjoyed watching Norman play but this is crazy talk.
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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