Greg Norman steps up LIV Golf plans by trying to poach iconic U.S. Open course

LIV Golf is eyeing one of America’s most iconic golf courses, Chambers Bay in Washington, as the latest addition to its schedule.

Greg Norman and his team are keen on acquiring the U.S. Open venue. Currently, LIV hosts 14 events throughout its season, spanning eight different countries. Its mission is to bring professional golf to a global audience, with stops in Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia, Spain, and the United Kingdom.

Of the 14 tournaments, seven take place on American soil. Las Vegas, Miami, Houston, Nashville, West Virginia, and Chicago will host regular season events in 2024, culminating in the team championship in Dallas.

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Since its inception in 2022, LIV has added some of golf’s most renowned courses to its roster. These include former PGA Tour courses Trump Doral, The Greenbrier, and Houston Golf Club, as well as the legendary Real Club Valderrama – a previous host of the Ryder Cup, World Golf Championships, and several DP World Tour events.

According to the Tacoma News Tribune, the series now seems to be targeting a major championship course, Chambers Bay. This Washington course was the site of the 2015 U.S. Open, where Jordan Spieth triumphed over Dustin Johnson and Louis Oosthuizen.

The setup of Chambers Bay was slammed by players during that week, and the course hasn’t been included in the U.S. Open lineup since. It seems there’s no comeback on the horizon either, as the U.S. Open has its locations locked down for the next 20 years.

Since being snubbed by the US Open, Pierce County officials have been scouting for other professional tournaments, with LIV Golf now on their radar. Don Anderson, executive counsel to Pierce County Executive Bruce Dammeier, mentioned in a report: “LIV has its own issues though, golf politics, world politics-wise. You have to be careful there.

“They throw a great party, though. 54 golfers, 54 holes, shotgun start. You generate $5 million or so in concession and merchandise sales. From that aspect, they’re very attractive. If they follow up with their indirect inquiry, we’ll listen.”

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Back in 2015, much of the flak aimed at Chambers Bay was about the greens, prompting a revamp between 2017 and 2019. The USGA does not currently include the golf course in its plans, but Pierce County still wants to maintain their bond with the governing body.

“I would say while we’re disappointed the opportunity won’t be here, we have an excellent relationship with the USGA that’s mutually beneficial,” Anderson said. “We don’t want to discount that.”

Additionally, Anderson disclosed an interest in contacting the PGA of America hoping to host a PGA Championship eventually. However, this would require more effort, as he acknowledged the need to secure a title sponsor for funding the event.