Greg Norman shows true colours on The Open return after champions’ dinner snub
Greg Norman, a controversial figure in the golf world due to his association with LIV Golf, made a notable appearance at The Open on Saturday. Despite being excluded from the champions’ dinner at the 150th Open at St Andrews, Norman showcased his sportsmanship by offering high praise for the event.
The 69-year-old Australian golfer, who has been a divisive figure within the golfing community because of his ties with the Saudi-backed LIV Golf, was spotted at Royal Troon over the weekend. His presence was marked by an official R&A guest badge, signaling a tentative welcome back to the prestigious tournament.
In an interview with Golf Digest, Norman reflected on his deep connection with The Open, describing it as the pinnacle of golf championships. “The Open has a lot of history for me. To me, it was the best championship of all. The Masters is the Masters, but I put this one up above all four of them because it is a true open. People can come and play [qualify],” Norman stated. He expressed his admiration for the rotating host courses and the unique challenges of links golf, emphasizing how he has always prided himself on returning to play in The Open throughout his career.
Norman also addressed his exclusion from the celebratory dinner, acknowledging it as the right decision given the circumstances. “I think that was the right thing for golf, yeah,” he conceded. He elaborated on the initial misunderstandings surrounding his involvement with LIV Golf and noted how the situation has since evolved. “I love seeing the way things have settled down now. Everybody’s seen that within the ecosystem, LIV Golf has been accepted and the players deserve to be in these big championships.”
Discussing the challenges of the Royal Troon course, Norman commented on the tricky conditions players faced. “Troon is a tough golf course,” he remarked. “Yesterday, the wind for the first couple of holes, around 1pm or 2pm, was blowing really solid. And then when you make the turn, you’ve got all that wind pushing the ball towards the railway line around Nos. 10 and 11. Those holes become even more difficult because you never play the golf course truly straight into the wind or straight downwind. It’s always testing your ball flight and how you spin the golf ball. It’s a quirky golf course and you have to put it in the right place.”
Norman’s comments reflect a measured and appreciative tone, suggesting a willingness to move past previous conflicts and focus on the sport he loves. His return to The Open, despite past controversies, highlights the enduring respect he holds for the tournament and its unique challenges.
