If LIV boss Greg Norman is among the 250,000 who have bought tickets to the British Open at Royal Troon, the R&A don’t know about it.
Norman, a two-time Open winner, wasn’t invited to the champions dinner at the 150th Open in 2022 when Cameron Smith won, with golf’s war at its fiercest, to “ensure that the focus remains on celebrating the championship”.
This year Norman had to buy a ticket to go to the Masters to “support” his LIV players, via the resale market, confirming in Adelaide last week that it “wasn’t cheap”.
Norman is not on any official invite lists for the Open this year either and with the tournament already a sellout, R&A corporate communications director Mike Woodcock told reporters at a media day that the Shark was “welcome” but could need to find his own way to the event in July.
“I don’t think there’s a G. Norman (on the list),” Woodcock said.
“I think they 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 resale platform or hospitality.
“He’s very welcome to look there.”
Norman declared his Masters visit was “phenomenal” as he walked outside the ropes for the first time, having bought his own ticket.
“I went there specifically to support the boys. I wanted them to know that I was there for that reason, so I tried to get around to shake hands with each and every one of them to wish them the best,” he said.
“To walk with the patrons, I’ve never done that before in my life anywhere in the world. I think I walked one playoff here in Australia when a friend of mine was in the Australian Masters. I walked with his family on the playoff hole.
“But it was incredible. The support, the recognition, the comments that were made, it was almost unanimous for three straight days walking around with people. I had people with me, so I do have witnesses to the fact that that’s what it was.”
He also said the interactions with fans reinforced his own feelings that LIV was making a positive impact on the game despite its detractors.
“To see it and to hear it and to hear the comments they made about what’s happening to the game of golf and the go that LIV has brought to the game of golf, it was very, very strong for me. It was a very powerful three days,” he said.
“I must admit, Wednesday when I was going out there, I did leave the house with trepidation because I didn’t know what to expect because I have a lot of great friends at Augusta National, I’ve got a lot of history at Augusta National, and I just didn’t know what to expect.
“My first hour walking around, I went, whew, and I just relaxed and had a great time.”