Greg Norman: LIV Golf has a 'long list' of big names waiting to join

Greg Norman believes the LIV Golf Tour is in a healthier position than ever, and with many big names waiting to join, it's only going to get bigger.

Norman recently arrived in Australia for the LIV event in Adelaide and spoke to the media about a wide range of issues involving the fledgling tour.

Foremost on his mind is LIV Golf's ongoing conflict with the world rankings system. The tour has six of the world's top 50 players but none of them are awarded any rankings points for their LIV performances.

Brooks Koepka, for example, saw his ranking plummet outside the top 100 earlier this year despite winning the LIV event in Orlando.

It was only when his newfound form was on show at the recent Masters that he was able to get a much-needed rankings boost, rising 79 places to No 39 after his runner-up finish at Augusta.

Norman believes the LIV Golf shut-out will only serve to make the world rankings "obsolete" before long if changes are not made.

But he also acknowledged that the LIV Golf fields need to get stronger, as he made it clear that once the bottom performers on tour are out of contract, they are ready to be replaced by some of the biggest names in the sport, who according to Norman, are waiting patiently for their turn to join.

"It's an ongoing process. We've got a long list of players who want to come in. We just don't have the ability today because players are under contract," Norman told the NCA NewsWire.

"But we'll get to a position where there will be a relegation series and places will start opening up.

"It's incredible the amount of players who want to come on board. It would surprise you how good those names are."

Despite the threat of more big names jumping ship, Norman insists he's not looking for war with golf's traditional powers. He continues to call for an end to hostilities off the course.

It never had to be one or the other," he said.

"Somebody came in and offered competition to (the PGA Tour) they didn't like it. But it's not going to stay this way forever, because we're not going anywhere.

"So somewhere down the line in some way, shape or form, the two parties have gotta come to the table.

"It's product versus product and we're proud of our product, and our product's not gonna go anywhere."

Norman has become persona-non-grata in some golf circles because of his LIV Golf position, and he admits that while he expected some blowback, he underestimated the degree of acrimony that would follow.

"I knew it going in. I didn't expect it that degree to be honest with you. And I look forward to the day when you know, hopefully everybody's got to eat crow," he said.

"I just know our model is here to stay. It's not a vindictive attitude or approach or anything like that. It's my desire to do what is right for the game of golf and what is right for the players, and what is right for the fans that are out here."

READ MORE: Brooks Koepka defends LIV Golfers after positive Masters showing