R&A ‘not aware’ of Greg Norman’s Open plans

The R&A says it is unaware of any plans Greg Norman might have to attend this year’s Open Championship.  

The two-time winner of the Claret Jug made headlines earlier this month when he showed up at The Masters, after buying a ticket for Augusta National on the secondary market.  

Norman, the CEO and commissioner of the LIV Golf League, made the move after reportedly being denied a pass through official channels and spent several days on the ground at The Masters, mixing with players and patrons alike. 

That has raised suspicions the Aussie may attempt a similar ‘backdoor’ entry to Royal Troon when it stages the 152nd Open in July. 

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Meeting with the media in Ayrshire this morning, R&A officials confirmed that a venue-record attendance of 250,000 is expected across the week, with the ticket ballot having sold out.  

Norman’s name, by all accounts, would seem to be conspicuous by its absence.  

“I don’t think there’s a ‘G Norman’ [on the list],” said the R&A’s Director of Corporate Communications Mike Woodcock. “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 re-sale platform or hospitality. He’s very welcome to look there.” 

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It’s unclear if Norman has requested a ticket to attend this year’s Open.  

A winner of the event in 1986 and 1993, the Aussie was specifically asked not to attend The 150th Open at St Andrews two years ago, although the circumstances were somewhat different.  

Back then, LIV had staged its inaugural event only six weeks earlier, creating huge division in the men’s professional game.  

However, with the sport’s various warring factions having indicated an intention to resolve their differences and work towards re-unifying the sport, the R&A’s position may have changed.  

bunkered.co.uk has approached LIV Golf for comment. 

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