Norman won't be part of the 150th Open (thank god)
It's hard to keep Greg Norman out of the headlines these days and this week we had it confirmed that he won't be back for one last hurrah at The Open.
Last month he told News Corp Australia that he would be entering and was hopeful of teeing it up despite being seven years past the cut-off point of 60 – and not having played on tour for the past 10 years.
“I’m filling out my entry form now; I think I’m going. I think I can still get in. It’s the 150th. I’m a past Open Champion. I love St Andrews. If there's a moment in time that I would consider going back and teeing off one last time. Maybe this is it."
Or maybe not. The R&A have rejected the Aussie and they won't be bending any rules to allow him a farewell similar to Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Sir Nick Faldo and Tom Watson.
"I’m disappointed with their decision, particularly given it is the 150th Open,” Norman said. "I have been a staunch proponent of the R&A since 1977 and a proud Champion Golfer of the Year – twice."
And someone who is also on the verge of kicking off a breakaway league.
“We have replied to [Norman]. There is no change to our position,” said an R&A spokesman.
The 67-year-old could try and get in via qualifying, something that would probably appeal to his vanity, but, having not played in The Open since 2009, he won't be going down that route.
Last month he told News Corp Australia that he would be entering and was hopeful of teeing it up despite being seven years past the cut-off point of 60 – and not having played on tour for the past 10 years.
“I’m filling out my entry form now; I think I’m going. I think I can still get in. It’s the 150th. I’m a past Open Champion. I love St Andrews. If there's a moment in time that I would consider going back and teeing off one last time. Maybe this is it."
Or maybe not. The R&A have rejected the Aussie and they won't be bending any rules to allow him a farewell similar to Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Sir Nick Faldo and Tom Watson.
"I’m disappointed with their decision, particularly given it is the 150th Open,” Norman said. "I have been a staunch proponent of the R&A since 1977 and a proud Champion Golfer of the Year – twice."
And someone who is also on the verge of kicking off a breakaway league.
“We have replied to [Norman]. There is no change to our position,” said an R&A spokesman.
The 67-year-old could try and get in via qualifying, something that would probably appeal to his vanity, but, having not played in The Open since 2009, he won't be going down that route.