Greg Norman was a prominent figure at The Open over the weekend, and his response to being excluded from the champions’ dinner at the 150th Open at St Andrews was an exemplary display of sportsmanship.
Despite his controversial involvement with the Saudi-backed LIV Golf, Norman expressed his admiration for The Open, highlighting its rich history and unique approach to the championship. He acknowledged the significance of the tournament, praising its inclusivity and rotation of host courses, particularly its emphasis on links golf.
During an interview with Golf Digest, Norman conveyed his fondness for The Open, expressing his belief that it holds a special place among the major tournaments in professional golf. He articulated, “The Open has a lot of history for me. To me, it was the best championship of all […] I put this one up above all four of them because it is a true open. People can come and play [qualify].”
Furthermore, Norman demonstrated maturity in accepting his exclusion from the champions’ dinner at Royal Troon for the past two years. He acknowledged the sensitivity of the situation and indicated that it was the right decision for the golfing community. He stated, “I think that was the right thing for golf […] 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.”
Despite being absent from the event, Norman closely followed The Open and offered insights into the challenging weather conditions that players encountered in Scotland. He remarked on the demanding nature of the Troon golf course, particularly the impact of the wind on ball flight and strategy, underscoring the unique complexities of the course.
Norman’s return to The Open after the champions’ dinner snub garnered attention and ignited conversations about his stance on the tournament and the sport as a whole. His gracious acknowledgment of The Open’s significance and his respect for the decision of his exclusion displayed a gracious and dignified approach that resonated with many in the golfing community.
Ultimately, Norman’s presence and commentary at The Open reflected his enduring passion for the sport and his eagerness to contribute positively to the golfing world. His graciousness was a testament to his character and his genuine interest in the ongoing success and development of professional golf.