'I’m Disappointed' - Greg Norman Reacts To 150th Open Snub
Speaking to Australian Golf Digest, Norman revealed he was disappointed with the R&A's actions
Following a release from the R&A, which stated: "We can confirm that we contacted Greg Norman to advise him that we decided not to invite him to attend on this occasion," Greg Norman has now responded in a report by Australian Golf Digest.
Speaking on Saturday evening, the two-time Claret Jug winner explained that: “I’m disappointed. 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 promote and grow the game of golf globally, on and off the golf course, for more than four decades.”
Back at the tail-end of April, Norman had revealed his intentions to feature at St Andrews. However, the R&A stated not once, but twice, that it's not changing its stance on "any additional exemptions."
Previously, the LIV Golf CEO believed that he could "still get in" to the tournament despite the exemption age cut-off for past champions being set at 60. On the 24th April, The R&A shut down that chance, with a statement saying: “The entry terms and conditions for The Open stipulate that a champion must be aged 60 or under or have won the championship in the previous 10 years to be exempt from qualifying. That remains the case for The 150th Open and we have no plans for any additional exemptions.”
Phil Mickelson has informed the R&A that he does not wish to attend either the celebration of champions four-hole challenge on Monday or the following evening’s champions’ dinner. The six-time Major winner is still in the field for the 150th Open Championship though, which gets underway on Thursday.
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Matt joined Golf Monthly in February 2021 covering weekend news, before also transitioning to equipment and testing. After freelancing for Golf Monthly and The PGA for 18 months, he was offered a full-time position at the company in October 2022 and continues to cover weekend news and social media, as well as help look after Golf Monthly’s many buyers’ guides and equipment reviews.
Taking up the game when he was just seven years of age, Matt made it into his county squad just a year later and continues to play the game at a high standard, with a handicap of around 2-4. To date, his best round came in 2016, where he shot a six-under-par 66 having been seven-under through nine holes. He currently plays at Witney Lakes in Oxfordshire and his favourite player is Rory McIlroy, despite nearly being struck by his second shot at the 17th during the 2015 BMW PGA Championship.
Matt’s current What’s In The Bag?
Driver: Honma TW747, 8.75°
Fairway Wood: TaylorMade Rocketballz Stage 2, 15°, 19°
Hybrid: Adams Super Hybrid, 22°
Irons: Mizuno MP54, 5-PW
Wedges: Cleveland 588 RTX 2.0 Tour Satin, 50°, 56°, 60°
Putter: Cleveland TFI 2135 Satin Cero
Ball: Titleist Pro V1x
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