Golf-McIlroy 'falling on his sword' could be turning point: LIV's Norman

Oct 20, 2023; Doral, Florida, USA; LIV Golf CEO and commissioner Greg Norman looks on during the first round of the LIV Golf Miami golf tournament at Trump National Doral. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports/ File photo

(Reuters) - LIV Golf CEO Greg Norman said he appreciated Rory McIlroy "falling on his sword" after the Northern Irishman softened his stance on the Saudi-backed circuit, and suggested it could be a turning point for the sport.

McIlroy has been one of the most vocal critics of LIV since the breakaway tour launched in 2022 and signed up a host of big names, causing a rift that threatened to tear golf apart.