Ory McIlroy supported the R&A’s decision not to invite Greg Norman to the 150th Open celebrations on St Andrews†
The Northern Irishman, along with a number of past winners including: Tiger WoodsGary Player and Lee Trevino, on Monday, took part in the Celebration of Champions, a four-hole team event to kick off a special week at the Home of Golf.
One man who was not involved was Greg Norman, Open champion in 1986 and 1993, and the Australian has not been invited to the Champions’ Dinner either.
Norman is the CEO of the Saudi-backed LIV Golf Series, a controversial breakout tour that has sparked bans, fines and rumors of an existential threat to the PGA Tour and DP World Tour in recent months.
While players participating in the LIV events can play it on St Andrews, and Dustin JohnsonPhil Mickelson and Bryson DeChambeau are among those doing this, McIlroy is pleased the decision has been made to keep Norman away and avoid further distractions from this week’s major.
“I supported that decision and I think it was the right decision at this point, given everything that’s happening in the golf world,” said McIlroy.
“We want the focus to be on the 150th Open Championship and this is a celebration of a wonderful golf tournament and a great game in general, and I think it was the right decision for that.”
McIlroy was also asked if the sport would suffer if a player involved in the LIV series lifted the Claret Jug on Sunday night.
“Selfish, for me, yes, I think it would be better for the game” [if a LIV player did not win],” he added.
“But ultimately everyone who is here has the same chance to go out and try to win a Claret Jug. I’m not going to begrudge anyone if they win and they play on a different Tour than I play.”
McIlroy himself has kept his focus on golf in the run-up to this tournament. In 2015, he would become a strong favorite as the defending champion for the Open at St. Andrews, with six top ten finishes in his previous seven majors. Shortly before the tournament, he tore the ankle ligaments in his ankle while playing football with friends, causing him to miss.
Rory McIlroy has made sure he is fit and ready this time for an Open in St Andrews
† AFP via Getty ImagesThat was the last time McIlroy played football and it also stopped his great momentum with no wins in the four biggest golf tournaments since then.
He now gets another chance in St Andrews, with his strong recent form leading many to believe the eight-year drought could end. Should McIlroy win a fifth major this week, he will consider it the pinnacle of his career.
“I don’t know if a golfer’s career isn’t complete if you don’t, but I think it’s the holy grail of our sport,” McIlroy said.
“Not many people will get that chance to achieve that, but that’s what winning an Open at St Andrews is all about. It is one of the highest achievements you can get in golf.
“There are a lot of great players who have won Opens and may not have won Opens in St Andrews, so I think it’s unfair to say a golfer’s career isn’t complete without that.
“But it’s definitely up there with one of the best things you can do in our game.”