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,

Now LIV is moving forward with sports executive Scott O’Neil as its new CEO, replacing Norman, who will remain with the Saudi-backed golf league in an ambiguous role. McIlroy, one of LIV’s most outspoken critics in the early days, said it was “probably a good move” and heaped praise on O’Neil’s resume.

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.