Following a 2-under 70 in the opening round of the 2025 Dubai Desert Classic, Rory McIlroy addressed the announcement that Scott O'Neil had been appointed LIV Golf CEO. Having previously butted heads publicly with outgoing CEO and commissioner Greg Norman,

Rory McIlroy has never hidden his frustration with Greg Norman, frequently criticizing the Australian as he helped launch the LIV Golf League and, in McIlroy’s mind, initiated the schism with the PGA Tour that has harmed men’s professional golf.

Golf just got even weirder. Not so long ago, the thought of Rory McIlroy praising Greg Norman was absurd, but here he was on Thursday complimenting his fellow multiple major winner after LIV Golf confirmed that the Australian has been replaced as chief executive.