Norman,the Open winner in 1986 at Turnberry and 1993 at Royal St George’s,is now the CEO and main face of LIV Golf,the lucrative Saudi-backed series which is causing a major rift in the men’s professional game.
And the organising R&A has decided his presence at St Andrews,with so much controversy still swirling around the LIV venture,would be a major distraction it could do without in its marquee week.
The decision,though,has left the 67-year-old “Great White Shark” hugely unimpressed.
“I’m disappointed. I would have thought the R&A would have stayed above it all given their position in world golf,” Norman toldAustralian Golf Digest after hearing the news.
“[It’s] petty,as all I have done is promote and grow the game of golf globally,on and off the golf course,for more than four decades.”
Norman had been hoping to take part in the special four-hole Celebration of Champions challenge on the Old Course on Monday,featuring some of the game’s greatest ex-champions including Tiger Woods,but the R&A made it clear in a statement why he wouldn’t be welcome.
“In response to enquiries regarding the R&A Celebration of Champions field and the Champions’ Dinner,we can confirm that we contacted Greg Norman to advise him that we decided not to invite him to attend on this occasion,” the statement read.