Before the 150th Open Championship, neither Phil Mickelson nor Greg Norman will compete in a past champion event, a nod to the schism in golf caused by the breakaway LIV tour. While Mickelson will voluntarily miss the Celebration of Champions four-hole challenge on Monday and the champions’ dinner the following evening, the R&A informed Norman that he would not be welcome at either event.
Norman, the face of the Saudi Arabian-backed LIV Series, won the Open in 1986 and 1993, but now finds himself in conflict with the existing golf ecosystem. The R&A confirmed in a statement that having Norman at St. Andrews would be an unwelcome diversion.
“In response to inquiries regarding the R&A Celebration of Champions field and the champions’ dinner, we can confirm that we informed Greg Norman of our decision not to invite him to attend on this occasion,” the statement read.
“The 150th Open is a significant milestone for golf, and we wish to ensure that the emphasis remains on celebrating the championship and its history. We do not believe that this would be the case if Greg were to attend. We hope that Greg will be able to attend again in the future if circumstances permit.”
Mickelson, who is included in this Open field, informed the R&A that he would not be attending either event. Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, who has been steadfast in their opposition to the LIV project, may have heightened tensions at the dinner.
Mickelson is suspended from the PGA Tour and has lost several sponsors due to his participation in LIV competitions and his stance on human rights violations in Saudi Arabia.
Norman has expressed his concern about the situation. He expressed his disappointment to Australian Golf Digest. Given the R&A’s position in the world of golf, I would have expected them to remain above the fray.
It is petty, as all I have done for more than four decades is promote and expand the game of golf on and off the golf course.”
