Well over a dozen LIV players will tee it up at Augusta today, but their chairman, Greg Norman, will not be present as a guest.
The 68-year-old, three-time runner-up at the Masters, revealed that he had not received any invitation to appear at this week’s opening major, describing himself as “disappointed” with the “petty” decision.
12 months ago, Norman found himself rejected from his application to play at the historic 150th Open Championship, a decision the R&A based on their entry terms and conditions. Soon after, the two-time Open champion said, “I’m disappointed with their decision, particularly given it is the 150th Open. I have been a staunch proponent of the R&A since 1977 and a proud Champion Golfer of the Year – twice.’’
A year on, and the response is similar.
“As a major winner I always was before, but they [Augusta National] only sent me a grounds pass last year and nothing, zilch, this time around,” said the Australian. “I’m disappointed because it’s so petty but of course I’ll still be watching.”
Augusta National chairman. Fred Ridley, explained the decision to the host of reporters camped at Augusta this week.
“The primary issue and the driver there is that I want the focus this week to be on the Masters competition, on the great players that are participating, the greatest players in the world,” Ridley clarified. “By our decision in December [to permit entry by LIV golfers]], we ensured that we were going to honor and be consistent with our invitation criteria.”
As for the former world number one, Ridley added, “In the last ten years, Greg Norman has only been here twice, and I believe one of those was as a commentator for Sirius Radio.”
“It really was to keep the focus on the competition.”
Ridley seems as if he wants to keep away from the confrontation between LIV and the PGA Tour, to concentrate purely on his tournament. However, he clearly believes that the friction is easing.
Does he see a time, maybe next year, when Norman might be invited back to the Masters?
“It’s hard to answer that question because I don’t know where the world is going to be next year or two years from now,”he said before speaking in hugely positive tones.
Ridley then expanded on that comment.
“The tone has been really good here this week. I’ve noticed the players are interacting.”
“Last night at the Champions Dinner, I would not have known that anything was going on in the world of professional golf other than the norm.”
So I think, and I’m hopeful, that this week might get people thinking in a little bit different direction and things will change. So I would say never say never.”
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