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 a hundred and fiftieth Open in 2022 when Cameron Smith gained, with golf’s warfare at its fiercest, to “make sure that the main focus stays on celebrating the championship”.
This 12 months Norman had to purchase a ticket to go to the Masters to “assist” his LIV gamers, through the resale market, confirming in Adelaide final week that it “wasn’t low cost”.
Norman is just not on any official invite lists for the Open this 12 months both and with the match already a sellout, R&A company communications director Mike Woodcock informed reporters at a media day that the Shark was “welcome” however may wish to search out his personal method to the occasion in July.
“I don’t suppose there’s a G. Norman (on the listing),” Woodcock mentioned.
“I feel they’d 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 fingers with every considered one of them to want them the very best,” he mentioned.
“To stroll with the patrons, I’ve by no means completed that earlier than in my life anyplace on this planet. I feel I walked one playoff right here in Australia when a good friend of mine was within the Australian Masters. I walked together with his household on the playoff gap.
“Nevertheless it was unbelievable. The assist, the popularity, the feedback that had been made, it was virtually unanimous for 3 straight days strolling round with individuals. I had individuals with me, so I do have witnesses to the truth that that’s what it was.”
He additionally mentioned the interactions with followers bolstered his personal emotions that LIV was making a constructive affect 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 occurring to the sport of golf and the go that LIV has dropped at the sport of golf, it was very, very sturdy for me. It was a really highly effective three days,” he mentioned.
“I need to admit, Wednesday after 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 plenty of nice buddies at Augusta Nationwide, I’ve bought plenty 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.”