LIV Golf CEO Greg Norman performed a bizarre stunt as a baffled Bryson DeChambeau prepared to tee off over the weekend.

DeChambeau was gearing up to take on the 15th hole in Nashville while engaging in a deep discussion with his caddie.

But the pair’s forensic analysis on how to tackle the hole was abruptly halted when CEO Norman stormed onto the green and - jokingly - started tending the flag.

The less-than-subtle gag was in some ways a compliment to the recent US Open winner, given it’s something that’s often done when a player is trying to put from range.

But as DeChambeau was teeing off on a par three, the stunt was met with a mixed reception.

DeChambeau appeared confused by Norman’s action, with the American star raising his arm as if to question what the former golf ace was doing on the green.

Whereas the fans packed into the main stand behind the tee loved the provocative antics from the Australian.

While unusual for someone - not least the tournament’s CEO - to perform such tomfoolery as a golfer is preparing to tee off, Norman’s actions were in keeping with the essence of LIV Golf.

The 15th hole for the Nashville event had been transformed into a ‘party hole’, which is an attempt by the organisers to bring a ‘classic stadium atmosphere and provide the electric soundtrack’ to the tournament in Tennessee.

As per the LIV Golf website, fans at the 15th could expect: “Live music all day, with a classic Nashville sound, fan challenges, allowing them to test their skills against other fans and legendary announcer Alan Roach, conducting the party course-side.”

The idea was copied after the success of the party holes at LIV’s courses in Adelaide and Chicago, which have provided some interesting, but very un-golf-like scenes in the past.

It comes amid a tussle between the new kids on the block LIV, and the iconic PGA Tour over the direction of golf’s future.

Talks between the two parties have been ongoing for some time, as the PGA and LIV look to end the split in golf caused by the former’s emergence in 2022.

A memo shared to players on the PGA Tour detailed the latest update last week.

It read: "Our talks are ongoing, with the goal of developing a shared vision for the future of professional golf that is pro-competitive and provides players with the best global opportunities.

"Your Player Directors have been crucial in this process. Their insights and perspectives are steering us towards a positive outcome, and we will keep you updated as additional work is accomplished."