LIV Golf founder Greg Norman is DENIED invite to The Open

The exclusion of Greg Norman from The Open Championship at Royal Troon has stirred controversy once again, highlighting the ongoing rift between the golfing icon and tournament organizers. Despite his illustrious career, having clinched the Claret Jug twice, Norman’s involvement in the LIV Golf venture has left him sidelined from the prestigious event.

Amidst the negotiations between the PGA Tour and LIV’s backers, the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund, Norman finds himself excluded from the invite list, raising questions about his future involvement in major golfing events. While not explicitly banned, Norman’s absence from the list signals a cold reception from tournament officials.

The snub extends back to the 2022 edition of The Open, where Norman was instructed not to attend the 150th Open and the champions’ dinner at St Andrews due to his role as LIV’s rebel-in-chief. This decision, justified by the need to maintain focus on the championship’s heritage, left Norman irate, expressing his disappointment in the R&A’s stance.

Despite these setbacks, Norman remains undeterred, navigating his way into The Masters earlier this year through secondary ticket channels after being denied access through conventional means. His defiance, coupled with claims of positive reception from spectators and even security personnel, underscores his belief in the impact of LIV Golf on the sport’s landscape.

However, the ongoing feud casts a shadow over Norman’s legacy, with the golfing community divided over his contributions and controversies. While some applaud his efforts to innovate and expand the game globally, others criticize his disruptive role in traditional golfing institutions.

As Norman navigates through these challenges, his legacy as “The Shark” continues to evolve, leaving an indelible mark on the sport’s history, albeit amidst ongoing turbulence and resistance from established entities.