If LIV boss Greg Norman is among the many 250,000 who’ve purchased tickets to the British Open at Royal Troon, the R&A don’t learn about it.
Norman, a two-time Open winner, wasn’t invited to the champions dinner on the one hundred and fiftieth Open in 2022 when Cameron Smith received, with golf’s struggle at its fiercest, to “be certain that the main target stays on celebrating the championship”.
This yr Norman had to purchase a ticket to go to the Masters to “assist” his LIV gamers, by way of the resale market, confirming in Adelaide final week that it “wasn’t low-cost”.
Norman isn’t on any official invite lists for the Open this yr both and with the match already a sellout, R&A company communications director Mike Woodcock advised reporters at a media day that the Shark was “welcome” however may need to search out his personal technique to the occasion in July.
“I don’t suppose there’s a G. Norman (on the checklist),” Woodcock stated.
“I believe they might have let me know if there was, so I’m not conscious that he’s purchased a ticket to this point. Clearly, there are tickets nonetheless obtainable on the resale platform or hospitality.
“He’s very welcome to look there.”
Norman declared his Masters go to was “phenomenal” as he walked outdoors the ropes for the primary time, having purchased his personal ticket.
“I went there particularly to assist the boys. I needed them to know that I used to be there for that motive, so I attempted to get round to shake arms with each certainly one of them to want them one of the best,” he stated.
“To stroll with the patrons, I’ve by no means achieved that earlier than in my life anyplace on the earth. I believe I walked one playoff right here in Australia when a pal of mine was within the Australian Masters. I walked together with his household on the playoff gap.
“But it surely was unbelievable. The assist, the popularity, the feedback that have been made, it was nearly unanimous for 3 straight days strolling round with folks. I had folks with me, so I do have witnesses to the truth that that’s what it was.”
He additionally stated the interactions with followers bolstered his personal emotions that LIV was making a optimistic influence on the sport regardless of its detractors.
“To see it and to listen to it and to listen to the feedback they made about what’s taking place to the sport of golf and the go that LIV has delivered to the sport of golf, it was very, very sturdy for me. It was a really highly effective three days,” he stated.
“I need to admit, Wednesday once I was going on the market, I did depart the home with trepidation as a result of I didn’t know what to anticipate as a result of I’ve loads of nice buddies at Augusta Nationwide, I’ve received loads of historical past at Augusta Nationwide, and I simply didn’t know what to anticipate.
“My first hour strolling round, I went, whew, and I simply relaxed and had a good time.”
