ADELAIDE, Australia: Golf’s rebel LIV tour is considering creating a women’s circuit and has approached American and European players who are keen to be involved, chief executive Greg Norman said Thursday.
LIV Golf sparked turmoil in the sport when it launched last year with the backing of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, luring star players away from the men’s US PGA Tour with lucrative contracts.
Norman now has his eye on doing the same with the women.
“That is a discussion we have internally on a regular basis,” he said in Adelaide ahead of the maiden Australian leg of the 54-hole, no-cut tour, which features 48 players in 12 teams.
“I have personally had discussions with individual LPGA Tour players, LET Tour players, Ladies European Tour. They love what our product is showcasing.
“They ask all the time, ‘How can we get involved?’ We’d love to see a LIV ladies series.”
But Norman is also conscious that he first needs to get the men’s version right, with the tour still finding its feet in only its second season.
While the Australia event this week is a sell-out, the circuit has met resistance elsewhere from traditionalists and critics who charge that it is helping Saudi Arabia “sportswash” its human rights record.
“From our perspective, last year was a beta season. We had eight events. This year was our first season where we’re kicking off,” he said.
“We can only drink out of a fire hydrant so much, so we have a lot of opportunities and initiatives coming across our plate.
“Our focus is to make sure this year we produce what we’re producing here from day one, 2023, and then going forward we’re looking what are the best opportunities to build on to what we have today.
“But the answer to the question is yes, we talk about it (women’s version) internally, and I have had discussions with individual lady players, professional players.”
LIV Golf in talks about women’s tour, says Greg Norman
https://arab.news/r6pwq
LIV Golf in talks about women’s tour, says Greg Norman
- LIV Golf sparked turmoil in the sport when it launched last year
- Maiden Australian leg features 54-hole, no-cut tour features 48 players in 12 teams
Rising Turkish and Indonesian stars awarded wildcards for 2026 Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open
- Zeynep Sonmez and Janice Tjen add further international depth to elite WTA 500 field taking part from Jan. 31- Feb. 7 at Zayed Sports City
- Sonmez, ranked 112th in the world, is in good form having qualified for the first Grand Slam of the year, the Australian Open, where she defeated 11th seed Ekaterina Alexandrova in the first round
ABU DHABI: The Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open has confirmed rising Turkish star Zeynep Sonmez and Indonesia’s Janice Tjen as wildcard entries for the 2026 tournament, adding further global representation to the growing field for the WTA 500 event from Jan. 31 to Feb. 7.
Both players arrive in Abu Dhabi with strong international followings and increasing momentum on the professional circuit, underlining the tournament’s reputation as a platform where emerging talent from across the world competes alongside established stars on one of women’s tennis’ most exciting stages.
Sonmez, ranked 112th in the world, is in particularly hot form having qualified for the first Grand Slam of the year, the Australian Open, earlier this month before stunning 11th seed Ekaterina Alexandrova in the first round and then falling to Yulia Putintseva in a stormy third round, three-set encounter.
Tjen, already one of Indonesia’s most successful players of the professional era and the current world No. 59, has continued her rise through the international ranks with a series of impressive performances across the WTA circuit.
A second-round loser at the Australian Open, the 23-year-old’s wildcard entry reflects both her growing profile and the increasing strength and visibility of tennis in Southeast Asia, a region that continues to produce new talent and passionate fanbases.
The announcements build on a strong list of early confirmations already revealed for the fourth tournament. Defending champion Belinda Bencic (world No. 10) will return to Abu Dhabi as she bids for a third Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open title, having lifted the trophy in both 2023 and 2025.
The Olympic gold medallist remains unbeaten at the tournament and returns following a standout comeback season on the WTA Tour.
Rising star Alexandra Eala has also been confirmed, reinforcing the event’s position as a showcase for the next generation of elite women’s tennis.
Tjen said: “I’m really excited to be coming to Abu Dhabi and grateful for the opportunity to compete in such a high-level tournament. The Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open is an event I’ve followed closely, and it means a lot to be able to test myself against some of the best players in the world. I’m looking forward to the challenge and to experiencing the atmosphere in front of the fans.”
Sonmez, aged 23, was similarly thrilled to be included in the elite line-up, adding: “Receiving a wildcard for the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open is a great honor. This tournament brings together an incredible field every year, and I’m proud to represent Turkey on such a prestigious stage, and I’m ready to give my absolute best on the court in Abu Dhabi.”
Nigel Gupta, tournament director at event organizers MARI, said: “Wildcards are an important part of what makes the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open special. They allow us to shine a spotlight on exciting players from different parts of the world while continuing to build a world-class field.
“Janice and Zeyneb both bring strong followings and real competitive quality, and they complement a line-up that already includes established champions and some of the most promising young players on the WTA Tour.”
