Two-time Open champion and LIV frontman Greg Norman has been snubbed by the R&A ahead of their Celebration of Champions event at St Andrews.
The Australian has been embroiled in controversy all year due to his role as CEO of the Saudi-backed LIV Golf series, and will now play no part in the celebrations at St Andrews ahead of the 150th Open Championship.
In a statement, the R&A said the following:
“In response to enquiries regarding the R&A Celebration of Champions field and the Champions’ Dinner, we can confirm that we contacted Greg Norman to advise him that we decided not to invite him to attend on this occasion.
“The 150th Open is an extremely important milestone for golf and we want to ensure that the focus remains on celebrating the Championship and its heritage. Unfortunately, we do not believe that would be the case if Greg were to attend. We hope that when circumstances allow Greg will be able to attend again in future.”
Norman etched his name onto the Claret Jug twice after claiming victories in 1986 and 1993, but will now miss out on joining fellow Open champions for the momentous occasion which begins on Monday.
One of Norman’s lead figures in LIV Golf, Phil Mickelson, will also not be attending the Celebration of Champions event. The 2013 champion remains in the field for The Open, but informed the R&A he does not wish to attend the other celebratory festivities.
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