LIV Golf Investments, a company set up and funded by the Saudi Public Investment Fund to support a new series of tournaments on the Asian Tour, and a potential new global tour, has appointed two additional executives to work alongside chief executive Greg Norman.
According to a report in GolfWeek, Ron Cross, a former tournament organiser for the PGA Tour, has been appointed as chief events officer, while Sean Bratches, a former vice president of sales and marketing at TV sports network ESPN, has been appointed chief commercial officer.
Cross said: “I am honoured for the opportunity to work alongside Greg, Sean and the LIV Golf Investments as we work to improve the game of golf on a global level. To be a small part of a significant change in the way golf is played and enjoyed, while continuing to make a positive impact on the communities we play in is a dream come true for me.”
Bratches, who most recently was employed as director of commercial operations for Formula 1 racing, said: “I am excited to join LIV Golf Investments and work to foster sustained growth in the game of golf globally. I am encouraged by the comprehensive vision that we have for the sport and the platform that we will foster to benefit professional golfers, the sport’s commercial partners, and, in particular, the passionate fans of golf throughout the world.”
Further executive appointments are expect to be announced shortly.
LIV Golf has recently announced plans to invest $200m over the next decade in supporting a series of 10 tournaments to be played on the Asian Tour, with events to be staged in Asia, the Middle East and Europe. it plans to broadcast the ten events globally and is hoping to attract an international field through an open eligibility category, regardless of tour affiliation.