Golf
Tiger Woods declined $700-$800 million offer from LIV, says Greg Norman
Tiger Woods, whose net worth was placed at north of US$1 billion (S$1.38 billion) by Forbes last month, recently turned down a chance to nearly double his bank account.
LIV Golf chief executive officer Greg Norman told Fox News’ Tucker Carlson that Woods declined an offer of between US$700 million and US$800 million to join the new Saudi-backed tour.
The interview, conducted last weekend during the LIV Golf event in Bedminster, N.J., aired on Monday night on Tucker Carlson Tonight.
“That number was out there before I became CEO,” Norman said of the dollar figure presented to Woods. “Look, Tiger is a needle-mover, right? So, of course you’re got to look at the best of the best. They had originally approached Tiger before I became CEO. That number is somewhere in that neighbourhood.”
Woods has maintained his allegiance to the United States-based PGA Tour over the new circuit.
Speaking at the Open Championship in Scotland last month, the American said: “The players who have chosen to go to LIV and to play there, I disagree with it. I think that what they’ve done is they’ve turned their back on what has allowed them to get to this position. …
“You’re just getting paid a lot of money up front and playing a few events and playing 54 holes. They’re playing blaring music and have all these atmospheres that are different. … I just don’t see how that move is positive in the long term for a lot of these players, especially if the LIV organisation doesn’t get world ranking points and the Major championships change their criteria for entering the events.”
Woods also took a shot at Norman last month after the Australian was uninvited from festivities celebrating the 150th Open Championship.
“Greg has done some things that I don’t think is in the best interest of our game, and we’re coming back to probably the most historic and traditional place in our sport,” Woods said. “I believe it’s the right thing (to exclude him).”
Norman lashed out at the PGA Tour in his interview with Carlson.
“It’s a monopoly,” Norman said of the older circuit. “They just want to shut us down whatever way they can, so they’ll use whatever leverage point they can to shut us down, and they’re not. They’re not going to shut us down because the product speaks for itself.”
Norman also discussed the criticism that LIV players are receiving from the tour’s connection to Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund.
“That blows my mind,” Norman said of players being disparaged for joining LIV.
“Sponsors, by the way, who spend billions of dollars in Saudi Arabia. The PGA Tour has about 27 sponsors, I think, who do 40-plus billion dollars’ worth of business on an annual basis in Saudi Arabia.
“Why doesn’t the PGA Tour call the CEO of those organisations (and say), ‘I’m sorry we can’t do business with you because you’re doing business with Saudi Arabia.’ Why are they picking on the professional golfers?”
-Reuters
Tiger Woods announced Friday that he underwent surgery to repair a nerve impingement in his lower back.
Woods, 48, has not played competitive golf since missing the cut at the Open Championship in July.
“The surgery went smoothly, and I’m hopeful this will help alleviate the back spasms and pain I was experiencing throughout most of the 2024 season,” the 15-time major champion wrote in a statement on X, formerly Twitter. “I look forward to tackling this rehab and preparing myself to get back to normal life activities, including golf.”
Per Woods, Dr. Sheeraz Qureshi of Hospital for Special Surgery in West Palm Beach, Fla. performed the surgery.
Woods made his first start of the season in February at the Genesis Invitational, his foundation’s tournament, but had to withdraw early in his second round due to illness.
Woods made the cut at the Masters — for a record-breaking 24th straight start — but finished last among the 60 golfers who played the weekend. Then came missed cuts at the PGA Championship, U.S. Open and The Open, where he never shot a round of par or better.
-Reuters
Golf and Country Club, Africa’s most prestigious golf destination is taking the golf in Nigeria to a higher level by rolling out the IBB Golf Classic, a new premium tournament.
In a show of commitment to promoting the sport of golf and fostering community engagement, the Executive Committee of the IBB Golf Club paid a special visit to General Ibrahim Babangida, former Nigerian President and Life Patron of the Club.
General Ibrahim Babangida applauded the superb management of IBB Golf Club, the relentless pursuit of golfing excellence and its demonstrable commitment to boosting Nigeria’s profile through golf.
During the visit, the Exco members pledged to host the prestigious Ibb Golf Tournament Classic, marking a significant step in the club’s efforts to elevate the profile of golf in the region.
The visit was led by the President of the Golf Club, Ibrahim Babayo, Vice Captain Dr. James Agbonhese, and the female Captain Dame Julie Donli.
The Exco members expressed their dedication to organizing the IBB Golf Classic, a world-class golf tournament that would foster community comradeship and attract participants and spectators from far and wide.
The Club Captain Ibrahim Babayo emphasized the club’s determination to showcase the talent and passion for golf within the region. He commended General Ibrahim Babangida for his visionary leadership, strategic thinking and nationalistic foresight in establishing the IBB Golf Club in 1987.
IBB International Golf and Country Club course is an 18-hole course covering about 101 Hectares (1,000,740m2) of land, located at the choice Aso drive area of Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria.
Within the course is a driving range, putting green and practice bunkers with a handful of professional golfers and trainers at the service of the members.
The EXCO pledged to uphold the high standards of the Club and stated that: “At IBB International Golf and Country Club, we take pride in providing the luxury and ambiance deserving of our distinguished members. We are also determined to take the game of golf to the grassroots so the game is accessible to more Nigerians.”
General Ibrahim Babangida commended the IBB Golf Club for its proactive approach to promoting golf and expressed his support for the upcoming tournament. He emphasized the positive impact of such events on the local community, stating, “The IBB Golf Tournament Classic will not only elevate the status of the sport in our region but also contribute to the overall growth and development of our community.”
Ibrahim Babayo has been elected as the new Captain of the IBB International Golf and Country Club in Abuja. This appointment comes at a pivotal time for the club, as it aims to elevate its status to a global level and make significant strides in the world of golf.
In his new role, Ibrahim Babayo has expressed his commitment to bringing the IBB Golf Club to a global level. He aims to position the prestigious club as a key player in the international golfing community, showcasing the talent and potential that Nigeria and Africa have to offer in the world of golf.
This vision aligns with the club’s ambition to put Nigeria and Africa on the global golfing map.
In his inaugural address, Captain Babayo pledged to create an unforgettable experience for partners and sponsors, “as we take Nigerian golf and IBB Golf Club to unprecedented levels. I trust believe that the game of golf can be used to write a new Nigerian story. And IBB Golf Club will be at the vanguard of this historic ascend. “
Captain Babayo also pledged to diversify the club’s income streams to both private and public sectors to improve infrastructure and service quality. “We recognize the need to diversify our revenue streams beyond membership fees to enhance the quality of our infrastructure, facilities and services,” he said.
Another item on the new Captain’s agenda, is enhancing hygiene standards and implementing stringent environmental regulations within the club’s premises.
He implored the support of all stakeholders in making the Club a truly global golf brand name He pledged “…to serve with integrity, diligence, and unwavering dedication. Together, let us chart a new course towards a prosperous future for our beloved IBB International Golf and Country Club.”
Captain Babayo brings a wealth of experience to his new role, holding degrees in Estate Management from Kaduna Polytechnic and Yaba College of Technology. He is a distinguished member of the Nigerian Institute of Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV) and the International Facility Management Association (IFMA).
As the founder and CEO of Cosmopolitan Cleaners Limited and the Former Chairman, Premium Pension Ltd. Babayo has demonstrated his commitment to driving positive change.
Joining Captain Babayo are newly elected committee members: James Eromosele Agbonhese as Vice Captain, Dame Julie Donli OON as Lady Captain, Bolarin Aliyu-Faniyan as Honorary Secretary, Gabriel O. Aremu as Honorary Treasurer, and Dr. Olarewaju Phillips, Social and Welfare officer.
IBB Golf and Country Club, located in the heart of Nigeria, has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to promoting the country’s culture, heritage, and sporting excellence on the global stage.
The Club was founded in 1991 as an initiative of the Government of Nigeria (through the FCT Administration). It is a self-funding, members only entity, incorporated under the Companies and Allied Matters Act. The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is the Grand Patron.
The IBB Golf Club remains dedicated to promoting the sport of golf and fostering an environment of camaraderie among its members. The Club has been a hub for golf enthusiasts since its inception and continues to set the benchmark for excellence in African golf
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