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6 months ago
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LIV Golf CEO Greg Norman will have to splash out for his own ticket if he intends to attend The Open this year.
The Australian lifted the Claret Jug twice during his playing days - marking his two major wins - but since spearheading the Saudi-funded breakaway that has torn the golfing world in two, he's found himself on the fringes.
While Norman hasn't been outright banned from attending The Open, the welcome mat won't exactly be rolled out for him either.
As merger negotiations between the PGA Tour and LIV's backers, the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund, drag on, Norman will have to find his own ticket.
'I don't think there's a G. Norman [on the list],' R&A corporate communications director Mike Woodcock told reporters.
LIV Golf chief Greg Norman 'is not on the list' for The Open Championship at Royal Troon
The Australian lifted the Claret Jug twice during his playing days (Pictured in 1993)
Brian Harman is pictured following his triumph at last year's Open at Royal Liverpool
'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.'
It wouldn't be the first time The Shark has had to resort to resale sites this year after he was spotted outside the ropes at The Masters earlier this month.
Norman was denied a ticket to Augusta National after 'going through the proper professional channels' and bought one off a secondary site, according to his son.
Despite his struggles to get to Augusta, Norman said that he received a relatively positive reception at the hallowed course.
He went as far as to claim that there were 'hundreds of people, even security guys, stopping me, saying, "Hey, what you're doing is fantastic." To me, that tells you that what we have and the platform fits within the ecosystem, and it's good for the game of golf.'
R&A corporate communications director Mike Woodcock said Norman could buy a ticket
The 69-year-old also resorted to buying his own ticket for The Masters earlier this month
He wasn't invited to the champions' dinner at St Andrews in 2022 due to his position as LIV's rebel-in-chief.
At the time, the R&A, which organizes the tournament, said the decision was taken 'to ensure that the focus remains on celebrating the championship and its heritage'.
Norman was left furious, telling Golf Digest: '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 of golf globally, on and off the golf course, for more than four decades.'
English (US)