R&A blocks Greg Norman from Open 150th anniversary events over LIV role

Within the newest nod in the direction of the schism inside golf brought on by the breakaway LIV tour, neither Phil Mickelson nor Greg Norman will function previously champion occasions earlier than the a hundred and fiftieth Open Championship. Whereas Mickelson will miss the Celebration of Champions four-hole problem on Monday and the next night’s champions’ dinner of his personal volition, Norman was knowledgeable by the R&A that he wouldn't be welcome at both.

Norman, the figurehead of the Saudi Arabian-backed LIV Collection, gained the Open in 1986 and 1993 however has now discovered himself in battle with golf’s current ecosystem. In a press release, the R&A confirmed it felt having Norman at St Andrews could be an unwelcome distraction.

“In response to enquiries relating to the R&A Celebration of Champions subject and the champions’ dinner, we are able to affirm that we contacted Greg Norman to advise him that we determined to not invite him to attend on this event,” it stated.

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“The a hundred and fiftieth Open is an especially essential milestone for golf and we wish to make sure that the main target stays on celebrating the championship and its heritage. Sadly, we don't consider that might be the case if Greg have been to attend. We hope that when circumstances permit Greg will be capable to attend once more in future.”

Mickelson, who's on this Open subject, knowledgeable the R&A he didn't want to attend both occasion. Tensions may have been excessive on the dinner with Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, who've been agency of their opposition to the LIV undertaking, among the many friends. Mickelson is suspended from the PGA Tour and has misplaced a number of sponsors due to his involvement in LIV competitions and the sentiment relating to human rights abuses in Saudi Arabia.

Norman has made his disquiet over the scenario clear. “I’m disenchanted,” he instructed Australian Golf Digest. “I might have thought the R&A would have stayed above all of it given their place in world golf. It’s petty, as all I've carried out is immediate and develop the sport of golf globally, on and off the golf course, for greater than 4 many years.”