Report: R&A tells LIV's Greg Norman to buy Open ticket if he wants Troon appearance
The Royal & Ancient Golf Club have confirmed they are unaware if LIV Golf commissioner Greg Norman plans to attend this year's Open at Royal Troon.
The Royal & Ancient Golf Club have confirmed to bunkered they are unaware if LIV Golf commissioner Greg Norman plans to visit this year's Open at Royal Troon.
Norman made a surprise appearance at the 2024 Masters earlier in the month, showing up to support the 13 breakaway tour players in the field at Augusta National.
Bryson DeChambeau and Cameron Smith were LIV's best performers, with the golfers both finishing in a tie for sixth nine shots behind the champion Scottie Scheffler.
The Great White Shark had to pay for a ticket himself after he was denied one through official channels and, his behaviour amongst the patrons raised eyebrows.
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Norman was particularly interested in following Rory McIlroy's group as the Northern Irishman once again tried and failed to complete the career grand slam on the 10th attempt.
The 67-year-old later made the somewhat bizarre claim that his right hand was sore from shaking so many patrons' hands who apparently told him: "Thank you for what you have done for golf."
R&A officials confirmed on 30 April to bunkered they are unaware if Norman plans to visit this year's championship at Royal Troon over 14-21 July.
Mike Woodcock, the R&A's director of corporate communications, told the publication: "I don't think there's a G Norman on the list.
"I think they [LIV] would have let me know if there was. So I'm not aware that he's bought a ticket so far.
"Obviously, there are tickets still available on the re-sale platform or hospitality. He's very welcome to look there."
Norman was a divisive figure in his pomp but the Australian turned things up a notch in late 2022 when he was named as LIV's first commissioner.
His tenure in the role began with a rocky start, to say the least.
Norman attracted heavy criticism for his comments in response to questions about the murder and dismemberment of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
"Everybody makes mistakes," he said, prompting widespread outrage.
Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund bankrolls LIV and the league has faced accusations their association in the sport is nothing more than an attempt to soften the kingdom's global image.
Norman's last appearance in the Open came in 2009 at Turnberry. It was the year after he held the 54-hole lead at Royal Birkdale before he finished third to Padraig Harrington.
The Australian also made a risible, audacious attempt to compete in the landmark 150th Open at St Andrews two years ago as a past champion despite being well beyond the exemption limit of 60.
That move was seen as a PR move to drum up interest for LIV and stick two fingers up to the establishment.
LIV staged their inaugural event at Centurion Club only six weeks prior.
Norman was denied entry into the field as a past champion and he declined to take part in Open Qualifying.
He was also disinvited to the festivities at the home of golf that weekend.
"The 150th Open is an extremely important milestone for golf and we want to ensure that the focus remains on celebrating the championship and its heritage," a statement from the R&A read at the time.
"Unfortunately, we do not believe that would be the case if Greg were to attend."
Norman said of the snub: "I would have thought the R&A would have stayed above it all given their position in world golf.
"It’s petty, as all I have done is prompt and grow the game for golf globally, on and off the golf course, for more than four decades.”
The 152nd Open at Royal Troon will be particularly poignant for one LIV player.
Henrik Stenson won the 2016 Open at Royal Troon the last time it was staged there.
Stenson went toe-to-toe with Phil Mickelson in an enthralling, final round contest.
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