Greg Norman: LIV players planning Masters celebration

Greg Norman has revealed that the 18 LIV players in the field for this week’s Masters are preparing a celebration behind the 18th green in the event that one of them wins.  

Speaking to NewsCorp, Norman, the CEO and commissioner of the Saudi-funded circuit, said that one of his players being in contention for the Green Jacket with the likes of Rory McIlroy and Jon for come Sunday night is “what the people want”.  

“If one of the guys, no matter who it is, they are all going to be there on the 18th green, they are all going to be there, and that just gives me goosebumps to think about,” said the Aussie. 

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“When you walk up 18, your caddie hugs you then you see your wife or your mum and dad. Now, to have those 17 other guys there, that’s the spirit we want. 

“That’s what these guys talk about. They are saying no matter who wins, no matter who is in that position, we are going to be there. And that just gives me goosebumps to think about.” 

Fred Ridley, the chairman of Augusta National Golf Club, announced shortly before Christmas that eligible LIV golfers would be permitted to play in The Masters.  

That, according to Norman, is the correct decision, in more ways than one. 

“I compliment The Masters on letting the players play because now they have got the best field and they are actually now the true Super Bowl,” Norman said.  

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“But if I’m the Masters right now, I would want, on Sunday, DJ or Brooks or Cam, any of those guys against Rory and Jon Rahm. Can you imagine what the TV ratings would be like? 

“It’s what the people want. It’s what TV wants. The ratings will be far higher than any other ratings if you’ve got Rory playing any one of our top guys.”

The 87th Masters Tournament gets under way at Augusta National on Thursday. Follow the bunkered social accounts for live updates direct from the course.

Michael McEwan is the Deputy Editor of bunkered and has been part of the team since 2004. In that time, he has interviewed almost every major figure within the sport, from Jack Nicklaus, to Rory McIlroy, to Donald Trump. The host of the multi award-winning bunkered Podcast and a member of Balfron Golfing Society, Michael is the author of three books and is the 2023 PPA Scotland 'Writer of the Year' and 'Columnist of the Year'. Dislikes white belts, yellow balls and iron headcovers. Likes being drawn out of the media ballot to play Augusta National.

Deputy Editor