Nick Faldo has responded to Greg Norman after Norman criticised Faldo’s comments about him and LIV Golf.
Norman claimed Faldo had been unfairly critical and that his ‘nasty’ comments, alongside a lack of understanding, resulted in Norman losing respect for the six-time major winner.
Norman’s Accusations Against Faldo
In an interview, Greg Norman took aim at Nick Faldo, referencing Faldo’s criticism of Norman’s involvement with LIV Golf. Norman stated that Faldo made ‘really nasty things’ about him during his time at LIV. He added that he doesn’t have any respect for someone who gives their opinion in that manner when they don’t know both sides.
Norman said that Faldo could have contacted him to get the other side of the story, and he would have gladly provided it. He stated that if Faldo still disagreed, that would be fine, but just to sound off, he has no respect for him.
Faldo’s Rebuttal and Text Message Exchanges
Faldo, who was working for Sky Sports at Augusta National, waited until after the tournament to respond to Norman’s criticisms. Faldo Enterprises issued a statement on Faldo’s behalf, revealing that Faldo had attempted to contact Norman to understand both sides of the story, but Norman declined.
The statement included screenshots of text messages between Faldo and Norman. The messages included one from 2020 where Faldo wished Norman a speedy recovery after he was hospitalised with COVID-19. Another exchange occurred in November 2022 when Faldo invited Norman to be on his new YouTube show.
Norman replied over a week later, saying that their relationship over the years hasn’t always been the best and they don’t see eye to eye on everything. He said it was probably best to pass on the offer for both of them.
Faldo’s YouTube Show Proposal
Faldo responded to Norman with two video messages, clarifying that LIV was not intended to be the sole focus of the show. He stated it was about them being ‘fellow champions’ and that their differences would make it more interesting, labeling them as ‘chalk and cheese’.
Faldo said he thought it would be interesting to talk about their battles through the years. He acknowledged they would have differing opinions on LIV but emphasised it would just be their opinions and not an attempt to corner Norman. Faldo said he would be fascinated by how Norman got to that point, where they are now, and what he thinks is the way forward for global golf. Faldo also stated that they would control the narrative of the show.
Faldo overcame a six-stroke deficit to Norman in the final round of the 1996 Masters.