Why I snubbed The Shark: Augusta chairman on LIV Golf's Greg Norman
Augusta National chairman Fred Ridley has explained the decision to not invite LIV Golf boss Greg Norman to the 2023 Masters.
Augusta National chairman Fred Ridley refused to rule out inviting LIV Golf boss Greg Norman back to The Masters as he outlined his reasons for snubbing the shark.
Norman was reportedly 'fuming' with the green jackets over not being sent an invitation to the 87th Masters.
"I loved this place," Norman said. "The problem is it never loved me back."
This was not the first time Norman, 68, had lashed out at the governing body of a major.
Two-time major champion Norman was also not invited to proceedings at last year's landmark Open at St. Andrews.
R&A boss Martin Slumbers stated he didn't want the LIV Golf sideshow to detract from the major.
Slumbers also pointed to the fact Norman hasn't always attended Open Championships.
That appears to be the case at Augusta National. Ridley addressed the media on 5 April.
Last year, Ridley spoke of Phil Mickelson's absence during his self-imposed exile from the game.
Ridley claimed Mickelson wasn't disinvited. It was the first Masters Lefty had missed in 28 years.
This year Mickelson has been keeping a low-profile and reportedly sat quietly during Scottie Scheffler's dinner.
Mickelson also reportedly refused the opportunity to take part in a pre-tournament press conference.
As for Norman, Ridley explained Norman had only attended two out of the last 10 Masters tournaments.
He explained:
So would Norman ever be welcomed back?
Ridley continued:
Elsewhere, Ridley confirmed Augusta National was leaning towards the proposals to rollback the golf ball.
NEW GolfMagic Fantasy game in association with @CallawayGolfEU has landed
ENTER https://t.co/8LkdYyE53D pic.twitter.com/ayoyFvkgnF— GolfMagic (@GolfMagic) April 3, 2023
More GolfMagic articles from the 2023 Masters:
- Rory McIlroy tests new equipment before the 2023 Masters
- LIV Golf players at The Masters: Form, guide, odds, tips
- Gary Player risks the wrath of the green jackets
- Sir Nick Faldo to come out retirement, cover 2023 Masters
- Bubba, Brooks discuss LIV animosity at Augusta
- Divide in golf 'media driven', say LIV players
- Sir Nick Faldo renews Greg Norman rivalry
- Cam Smith says it's 'BS' LIV Golf players aren't competitive
- Tiger, Bryson in practice round mix-up
- Cameron Smith makes shocking LIV revelation
- Greg Norman fuming at no Masters invite
- Gary Player doubles down on Augusta criticism
- Aaron Wise WDs, citing mental health concern
- Brooks Koepka admits missing McIlroy battles
- Tiger Woods confident Rory McIlroy will eventually win Masters
- LIV Golf star admits 'could be my last' Masters
- Phil Mickelson 'didn't speak' at Champions Dinner
- Tiger unsure how many Masters he has left
- Rory McIlroy re-ignites feud with Patrick Reed
- R1, R2 Tee Times
- Bryson DeChambeau addresses 'par 67' comments
- LIV Golfer gives frosty response to Phil, Couples beef
- DJ gives the most on-brand answer
Ben joined the GolfMagic team in September 2021, initially as a content executive.
These days, he assumes the position of content manager.
