Greg Norman has declared he will not watch this year's Masters after Augusta National declined to extend him an invitation. The 71-year-old Australian, who spearheaded the LIV Golf breakaway in 2022, called the decision a 'crying shame' and said he has 'moved on' from the tournament.
Norman, a two-time major champion, was excluded from the 2023 Masters amid the LIV controversy and was similarly overlooked for the 90th edition, which tees off on Thursday. He told the Sydney Morning Herald: 'Well, I won't be there, that's for sure; I never received the normal invitation from the Masters. I won't even watch it because I will be out of the country.'
Augusta traditionally invites past major champions, but Norman did not make the cut. Club chairman Fred Ridley previously confirmed that Norman was excluded in 2023 to prevent him from becoming a distraction. The following year, Norman purchased a general admission ticket and mingled with spectators, an experience he described as 'wonderful.'
Despite his absence from the winners' circle at Augusta, Norman remains one of the most successful players in Masters history, with eight top-five finishes and a share of the course record. His most painful moment came in 1996, when he squandered a six-shot lead on the final day to hand the title to Nick Faldo.
Norman, who was ousted as LIV Golf CEO last year, said he will follow the results day by day but will not watch the tournament. 'It just seems like I've moved on from that, too, which is a crying shame because the Masters and Augusta and a number of friends I have in Augusta National, the powers to be decided to go in a different direction. So, I have to accept that,' he added.
