Greg Norman has been at the center of attention in the establishment of the Saudi-backed LIV Golf Series. With more than $2 billion already committed, the league is already causing ripple effects across the golf community. Henceforth, LIV’s top brass was recognized with a mention in an elusive list of most influential dealmakers and disrupters, which also included recently retired tennis star, Serena Williams.

LIV Golf Series makes an entry in acclaimed list

The controversial golf league has raised eyebrows ever since its inaugural event in London back in June. The PGA Tour, which warned players from playing in the LIV Golf Series, has questioned the legality of the league. However, several popular players have jumped ship at the behest of CEO Greg Norman, with the PIF-funded series offering lucrative contract bonuses.

Read more: ‘I Should’ve Never Done It’: Greg Norman Owned Up to His Mistake With Deep Regret After Avoiding an Ugly Situation in 1986

The disruption has led to an outcry of civil war in the usually hushed golf community. The debate is still raging on, with matters now in the hands of the court. Amongst all the hubbub, LIV has turned the heads of sports businessmen and companies, which has eventually resulted in a mention in a listicle in the Sports Business Journal.

The piece also mentioned H.E. Yasir Al-Rumayyan, who is the governor of the Saudi Public Investment Fund. The 52-year-old also serves as the chairman of the English football club, Newcastle United, while being the chairman of the petroleum company Saudi Aramco.

The PIF stands for Public Investment Fund, which is the sovereign wealth fund of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It is considered one of the wealthiest sovereign funds in the world, with estimated assets worth $620 billion.

Tennis great Serena Williams joins the list

Having retired from playing professional tennis after the U.S. Open in September, Williams’ inclusion in the elusive list underlines her off-field brand. Indeed, the final match of her career drew 4.8 million viewers for sports broadcaster ESPN, which is the largest-ever TV audience for a tennis match.

But the 41-year-old has already secured her plans with her own firm, called Serena Ventures. The company raised a staggering $111 million in March, with investments in as many as 20 startups.

Will Norman and Williams continue to break barriers with their ventures in the interim future? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.

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