GREG Norman says he was “humbled” by his appearance at The Masters – despite having to buy his own ticket.
The LIV Golf boss made a surprise appearance at Augusta National last week after not being invited by event organizers.
GettyGreg Norman drew a crowd after attending The Masters last week[/caption]
GettyThe LIV Golf star greets Australian golfer Min Woo Lee at Augusta National[/caption]
GettyNorman had to buy a second-hand ticket to attend the major championship[/caption]
GettyThe Australian was three-time runner-up at The Masters[/caption]
Wearing a straw hat adorned with a shark logo, Norman drew a huge crowd as he walked the course with fellow patrons.
To gain entry, the former Masters runner-up had to buy a ticket on the secondary market, according to his son Greg Norman Jr.
Despite his humbling entry into the Masters, Norman claims he was deeply “moved” by his experience.
“The few days I spent at Augusta walking for the first time ever behind the ropes, embedded in heartbeat of golf – the patrons – were extremely powerful and poignant,” Norman wrote on Instagram.
“The hundreds if not thousands of people, from the drivers, to the parking lot attendants, security guards, the servers in the concession stands (yes had my first Ham Cheese sandwich and Peach ice cream sandwich), the guys who controlled the gallery cross walks, but most importantly to the patrons of @themasters thank you for your unanimous support.
“It was humbling, moving and I was taken back by your words of encouragement – ‘thank you for what you have done for golf’ … ‘don’t stop … ‘love LIV’ and the one that got to me personally and emotionally – ‘welcome back.’”
Norman, who is worth $350million, was spotted on the practice round on Wednesday and supporting LIV Golf players on the Thursday and Friday.
The LIV Golf stars who competed this year included Dustin Johnson, Patrick Reed, Charl Schwartzel, Bryson DeChambeau, Brooks Koepka, Cameron Smith, Bubba Watson, Joaquin Niemann, Phil Mickelson, Sergio Garcia, Tyrrell Hatton, Adrian Meronk.
Meanwhile, John Rahm won the famous green jacket last year.
Norman claimed that his right hand was “sore” from shaking so many fans.
“Golf is golf and on the hallowed grounds of Augusta National healthy competition (which is the bedrock of us) resonated,” he added.
“Thank you all for the 3 days of incredible and touching memories!”
Norman had not been at the Masters since 2021, when he was an analyst for SiriusXM.
He was not invited last year “to keep the focus on the competition,” according to Augusta National chairman Fred Ridley.
“I’m here because we have 13 players that won 10 Masters between them,” Norman told the Washington Post.
“So I’m here just to support them, do the best I can to show them, ‘Hey, you know, the boss is here rooting for you.’ ”
Norman’s son revealed last week how his dad was able to secure entry into Augusta National.
“Without a doubt, an invitation was not extended to my dad, and in fact, when he tried to buy one directly from them, he was denied. Hence, he had to buy on the secondary market,” Norman Jr said.
“It was an amazing experience; hundreds of golf fans approached him walking outside the ropes. All positive support of him and LIV. Not one person said anything negative to him.
“And this is exactly the point of me posting this: we have received a lot of hate over the years, but this stems from financially incentivized opposing parties or bottom-of-the-barrel sociopathic online trolls.
“The vast majority of folks we run into are positive, encouraging, fans of LIV, or simply fans of golf.”
“So, in light of this, here’s to an epic Masters. Four days where we put all the BS behind us, sit back, and watch a LIV player take the green jacket.”
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