LIV Golf boss Greg Norman makes feelings on The Open crystal clear after snub

Greg Norman, the figurehead of the controversial LIV Golf series, was spotted at The Open on Saturday, despite being cold-shouldered by the R&A at the historic 150th Open at St Andrews, where he wasn't extended an invite to the champions' dinner.

The golf world has been buzzing with Norman's presence, especially since he's been cast as a key provocateur in the schism shaking up the professional golf scene due to his involvement with the Saudi-funded breakaway league. Yet, the 69-year-old Australian legend, sporting an official R&A guest badge, was seen mingling at Royal Troon, signaling perhaps a thaw in relations since his Augusta National visit during The Masters earlier this year, where he appeared as just another fan without an invitation.

A two-time champion of The Open himself, Norman took in the atmosphere from one of Troon's numerous hospitality zones and shared with Golf Digest : "It's good to be back. The Open has a lot of history for me. To me, it was the best championship of all."

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When asked to reflect upon the apparent snub at The Open two years ago, Norman acknowledged: "I think that was the right thing for golf, yeah. I think in the beginning there was a lot of misinterpretation of the situation.

"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 a framework agreement being reached more than a year ago, talks between the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund, which backs LIV, and the PGA Tour continue. The proposed merger would allow top players from both tours to compete more frequently, but details remain scarce and it's unclear when a resolution will be found.

LIV is currently in its third season and will host its UK tour stop at JCB Golf and Country Club in Uttoxeter next week. The last two English events for LIV were held at Centurion in Hertfordshire.

Norman is perhaps best remembered for his numerous near misses at major tournaments, including The Open at Troon 35 years ago, where Mark Calcavecchia took home the Claret Jug.

"In 1989, I birdied the first six holes of the final round, shot 64, then birdied the first two holes of the [playoff] and still didn't win; I'm still trying to figure this place out," Norman admitted.