Greg Norman names Hideki Matsuyama as LIV Golf’s next target, drops hints on ongoing negotiations – “I don’t mind admitting that”

Greg Norman revealed who he would want to see next on the PGA Tour to play for LIV Golf in an exclusive interview with Australian Golf Digest.The CEO of LIV Golf revealed that he has been in negotiations for a possible partnership with 2024 Genesis Invitational winner Hideki Matsuyama. He acknowledged trying to get Matsuyama on the Saudi circuit.

Norman praised the Japanese golfer for his impressive win at the Genesis Invitational during the previous month.   When discussing Matsuyama, Norman stated (according to Australian Golf Digest): 

“I’ll give you another example. We’ve been trying to get Hideki Matsuyama (over to LIV Golf). I don’t mind admitting that. When Hideki won (The Genesis Invitational) in LA, what’s the first thing I did? I said, “Congratulations, Hideki. I’m proud of you, mate.”

Anthony Kim, the three-time PGA Tour winner who has been out of the game for the last 12 years, has reportedly inked a contract with LIV Golf.Kim is set to return to the LIV Golf Jeddah event this week, having been in talks with Greg Norman since the third season of LIV Golf began. The American has reportedly obtained a wildcard entrance into the Saudi circuit, according to Golf Channel.The 2024 LIV Golf Jeddah event is scheduled for March 1 to 3 in Saudi Arabia, with Kim’s potential comeback likely confirmed before the tournament begins, possibly by Thursday, February 29.

Additionally, fans are curious to find out if Matsuyama would join LIV Golf after Norman revealed his next target on the PGA Tour. However, only time will unveil the answer to that question.

Exploring Hideki Matsuyama’s career

Hideki Matsuyama is one of the most successful Japanese golfers playing on the PGA Tour. He started his professional career in 2013 after a successful amateur career. He reached number one in the World Amateur Golf Rankings before starting his professional journey. He has won 18 professional tournaments so far and reached number two in the Official World Golf Rankings.

Hideki Matsuyama showcased his golfing skills by securing victory in a professional tournament while still an amateur at the 2011 Mitsui Sumitomo VISA Taiheiyo Masters, an event on the Japan Golf Tour.

His initial professional win occurred at the 2013 Tsuruya Open, marking his second professional tournament.  

In his rookie season on the Japan Golf Tour, he achieved success and placed within the top 50 at the 2013 US Open. This led to him leading the Japan Tour’s money list that year and earning eligibility for PGA Tour events the following season.  

Following an impressive debut season on the circuit, he climbed to 13th place in the OWGR after triumphing over Kevin Na in a playoff to clinch victory at the 2014 Memorial Tournament, his first PGA Tour triumph.  

To date, he has secured nine PGA Tour victories and three European Tour wins.   Additionally, Hideki Matsuyama attained victory at the Masters in 2021.