Leishman says golfers owe Shark for LIV money move

Marc Leishman says "love him or hate him" professional men's golfers owe Greg Norman, who is reportedly set to be replaced as chief executive of LIV Golf.

The Saudi-backed golf league is looking to bring in Scott O'Neil, former chief executive of the Philadelphia 76ers and currently Merlin Entertainments boss, to take over from the polarising Australian great.

Norman has been the face of LIV Golf since it launched in 2022, luring a swag of superstars like Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka and fellow Australian Cameron Smith away from the PGA Tour on mind-blowing money.

Speaking following his first round of the Australian Open in Melbourne, Leishman, who plays with Smith in the all-Australian Ripper GC outfit that won LIV's team championship this year, says golfers should be grateful for Norman's bold move.

As well as the massive sign-on fees for LIV players, the PGA Tour also pushed up prize money to try defend the player exodus.

"The players have benefited from it whether you're on LIV or you're not on LIV. He put his arse on the line to get this started," Leishman said.

"Love him or hate him, as a golfer, he's certainly helped our lifestyle."

Leishman said he hadn't been told about any leadership change but believed the former world No.1 and two-time major winner would remain involved in some capacity.

The hiring of O'Neil could help expedite the meshing of the rival tours, with Norman a sticking point for some high-profile PGA players.

Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy said two years ago Norman needed to leave before the sides could come together.

"I think he will (stay involved) as he's worked really hard, really given a few years of his life," Leishman said.

"I would hate to think how many hours he works a week and how many hours he flies.

"LIV's been going for two and a half years, but how long he's been doing it before that, who knows.

"He's sacrificed a lot and obviously he's got pretty well compensated as well, but yeah, I hope he stays involved in some way."