Rory McIlroy says Greg Norman’s departure from the chief executive role at LIV Golf is “probably a good move” for a Saudi-backed tour which he believes is here to stay for the foreseeable future.

Veteran sports executive Scott O’Neil has been named as Norman’s successor and McIlroy hailed the new LIV boss’ “amazing track record” which has included being in charge of the Philadelphia 76ers NBA team.

Norman, in his LIV role, was at the centre of the split in professional men’s golf which has led many of the world’s top players to sign for Saudi-funded tour.

McIlroy, initially a vocal critic of the new circuit, called for the two-time Open Champion to “exit stage left” in 2022 and let the “adults” heal the wounds in the sport.

However, the Northern Irishman has considerably softened his stance on the breakaway circuit and gave credit to Norman when asked about the moves in LIV Golf after an opening two-under-par 70 left him five off the pace as he began his bid to win a third straight Dubai Desert Classic.

“He’s probably one of the only people in golf who could have taken on that role. He got it off the ground. You’ve got to commend him for that,” said McIlroy of Norman.

“Now it’s time for someone with a bit more experience in this to take over. I honestly don’t know what the future holds for them but the moves they are making, especially from an executive standpoint, it doesn’t look like they are going to go away any time soon.”