SYDNEY – Adam Scott says Greg Norman’s move to LIV Golf hasn’t damaged his relationship with his longtime mentor and he doesn’t see the new tour as “pure evil” for the sport.
“Definitely not,” Scott said on a conference call at his home in Switzerland on Friday when asked if he felt any animosity toward his fellow Australian, the series’ chief executive.
“This is something he is. [Norman] I really believe it and I don’t hate it because it went a little too far for that. Indeed, he shook up the golf orders, which had never been done this way before. But I have hope for people [intentions] They are still good, and so we come to a better place.
Scott said his friendship with fellow Australians Cameron Smith and Marc Leishman had not changed since defecting to LIV, which has been criticized in Saudi Arabia for washing its image in the sport.
Scott said of Smith and Leishman: “I totally understand anyone who does this. “Opportunities have been given to them and they are suited to them. All power to them. I really want it to work for them.”
Scott said that while there wasn’t a lot of friction between the players on the rivalry tours, there were definitely some feelings hurt and some friendships broken.
“I’m not trying to play peacemaker,” Scott added. “Maybe because I’m a little down on it, I can be a voice of reason for one or the other. I don’t see LIV as pure evil for the game of golf. Hopefully, we can get past everyone. Shoot each other and each organization can move on.”
Scott says he has no interest in joining LIV.
“Why I’m still on the PGA Tour is because being on the PGA Tour suits me so well. It’s as simple as that, really,” Scott said at the recent Presidents Cup at Quail Hollow. “One thing I don’t understand is that I’ve left my professional life behind trying to get here. I’m not ready to do this.”
Scott reiterated on Friday that he hopes to add to his 2013 Masters title and win more majors, something he will not be able to do if he joins LIV.
“One thing that’s happening is that I’m running out of time,” Scott said as he announced he would be back Down Under this year to play in the Australian PGA and the Australian Open.
“It seems like I’m the biggest blake on the field almost every week now. I’ve got to take advantage while I’m playing well.”
